12/21/07 Ag unites on priorities to 2008 Wash legislative session

Farm and Ranch December 21, 2007 Representatives of agricultural organizations and commodity commissions met earlier this week atop Snoqualmie Pass to agree on some priority issues for the 2008 session of the state legislature in Olympia. Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission explains the value of joining forces. Voigt: "I think we realize that it is difficult for any one agriculture group to get things done on their and we found that when we come together and collectively agree on some priorities we can all work together and get a lot more done rather than working individually." Voigt says one of the areas that will be a focus is water management. Voigt: "We are looking at some legislation in that area. We are also looking at budget issues as well as land use issues. Some of the specific things we are looking at is of course when it comes to the budget or appropriations, there is close to a four million dollar request on behalf of agriculture that we are asking for WSU to help us with some agricultural research. We are also looking at trying to get an exemption for some agricultural buildings for building permits and structural codes. There is some safety parameters built into that, but we think that will help the growers too." Voigt says agriculture will be supporting the governor's request to fund the agreement reached with Indian Tribes to provide more water for irrigation, municipalities and fish. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.