Washington farmers lost nearly $400 million in 2024, and by the USDA’s own economic measurements, agriculture in our state is now the worst in the nation and this crisis is not getting better.
Decisions made in Olympia are a primary reason farmers are struggling. Policies coming out of the legislature have added crippling costs, unhelpful regulations, and created a serious competitive disadvantage for Washington farms.
I am joining farmers, farm families, and communities across this state who are deeply concerned about our food security, access to locally grown food, and the future of Washington’s agricultural economy, which remains the second-largest economic driver in our state.
We are asking you to treat this devastating situation with the urgency and priority it deserves. Work now, together with your colleagues in Olympia, to examine and confront the real costs that state laws and rules are piling onto our farmers and make the bold changes farms need to survive in Washington.
Please do not wait until the next legislative session. There is time now to start; to fully understand the true nature of this growing crisis, and create real, actionable plans to give our farming community the lifeline it’s desperate for.
Keep us informed about the steps you’re taking to create change. Tell us how we can help and support you in this critical effort. We won’t be staying on the sidelines — and we expect our elected leaders won’t be either.