Farmland and farming community protection

Washington has a proud history of agricultural leadership. Here in Skagit County, we have one of the largest and most diverse agricultural communities west of the Cascade Mountains. Island County is home to an ecosystem of organic and school district farms, training programs and community supported agriculture. We have a lot to be proud of – and a lot to protect.

Agriculture should be home-grown and family owned. Local farmers mean a stronger local food pipeline, more robust local economy and a healthier environment through responsible, sustainable farming practices. Growing food is integral to the fabric of our communities and our farmers care for our land. It is part of our culture and identity.

Unfortunately, more and more foreign-owned corporations are buying agricultural land. In 2021, Capital Press ran a story about who is buying up U.S. farmland. Out west, we are seeing more investments by businesses from Canada, Japan and European countries. Much of these purchases are in wine grapes, tree fruit and timber as well as manufacturing, processing and real estate. Some of these purchases have resulted in environmental challenges including water management and rights.

According to Washington State University Skagit County Extension, 95% of the red potatoes in Washington are from Skagit County. More tulip, iris and daffodil bulbs are produced in Skagit than in any other county in the United States. These foreign companies could be investing in the very lands and products that are the backbone of Washington's agriculture economy.

This represents a huge threat to our environment, the well-being of our local communities and the resilience of our water and food sources. It is vitally important that we keep Washington agriculture land in the hands of our farmers.

On Jan. 18, I submitted House Bill 1412 which prohibits foreign governments and businesses from buying our farm and timber land. With this bill, we can work towards environmental protection and a healthier farming community.

I will be working to get this vital bill passed this legislative session. It is critical to the health and wellbeing of our states' agriculture industry, much of which resides in our region.

If you are a farmer or landowner in our corner of the state and wish to get involved with supporting this legislation, please reach out to my office. You can contact me at housedemocrats.wa.gov/shavers.

I look forward to hearing from you as we work to protect our local farmers.