Washington Association of Wheat Growers
2009 Resolutions
NATIONAL LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
WAWG opposes cap and trade legislation that negatively impacts farmers.
WAWG supports a loan program that reflects the cost of production for each class of wheat (FAPRI) instead of being based on the market price of wheat.
WAWG supports PCP's that are based on how wheat is marketed. Examples include 14% protein for DNS, 12% protein for Hard White, and 11.5% protein for Hard Red Winter wheat.
WAWG encourages USDA to keep the wheat loan rate comparable with competitive crops, so wheat production is not at a farm program disadvantage.
BARLEY
WAWG supports continued federal funding of the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project.
WAWG encourages USDA to keep the barley loan rate comparable with competitive crops, so barley production is not at a farm program disadvantage.
FARM PROGRAM
WAWG supports passage of a $10 million indexed estate tax exemption. In addition we support retaining the stepped up valuation of assets received from an estate by heirs.
WAWG opposes means test for any Farm Program payment.
WAWG supports Washington NRCS's Local Working Group process and believes it should remain in conservation district control.
WAWG supports income averaging, Farm Account for Rural and Ranch Management (FARRM), allow investments credits, favor capital gains-type investments, would eliminate federal estate taxes permanently, retain cash basis accounting and would let all types of entities deduct health insurance premiums.
WAWG supports the elimination of the Fruit and Vegetable (FAV) restrictions in farm programs.
WAWG shall lobby congress to exclude farm rental income from self-employment taxes. This would restore congressional intent of the law, because the self-employment tax should only apply to income from labor or employment.
WAWG does not support any form of government owned reserves, above strategic reserve levels.
WAWG supports the present system of electing farmers to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee.
WAWG will work with and lobby appropriate officials to continue the policy that allows the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee to make "Good Faith Determinations" each year.
Wheat growers should be able to lock in Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) payment rates for wheat anytime after April 1st, or after their wheat is harvested, whichever comes first.
WAWG supports the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) net income (i.e. Schedule F) figures for determining agriculture's financial position.
WAWG supports the full implementation of the conservation portion of the farm bill. However, we do not support the use of other program funds to support the conservation part of the program.
RISK MANAGEMENT
WAWG supports adoption of a new USDA RMA pack factor when calculating bushels of stored grain to more accurately reflect actual quantity.
WAWG will continue to work with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to improve the wheat policy and recommends that the following changes in the wheat contract:
- RMA should allow the regional office the ability to make changes in the final planting dates when agronomic conditions are such that many farmers, while farming using good economical and agronomic practices, cannot meet the final planting date of the policy.
WAWG recommends the sales closing date for fall planted wheat be changed to 20 days after price release.
WAWG urges the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to allow producers to select different coverage levels and price elections for irrigated and non-irrigated, and different types and classes of wheat.
WAWG recommends that the RMA allows crop insurance proceeds on Schedule F be included as income for Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) purposes.
WAWG opposes any division (lines) within a county for crop insurance purposes.
WAWG recommends that RMA address the issue of APH adjustments for uninsured causes (such as fire) due to no fault of the grower.
WAWG recommends that RMA attach full insurance coverage at time of planting for replant payment purposes.
WAWG supports programs that promote outreach and education concerning RMA programs.
MARKETING COMMITTEE
TRADE
WAWG supports the continued donation of US produced commodities to meet Food Aid distribution needs.
WAWG urges international harmonization of scientific standards and trade rules.
WAWG recommends USW and NAWG work to see markets adhere to CODEX standards regarding import specifications.
WAWG supports waivers to the Jones Act to allow natural gas products, anhydrous ammonia and grain delivered by foreign vessels to and from ports on the west coast.
WAWG urges Congress, the administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue to facilitate and encourage trade with all of our world customers with innovative credit programs.
WAWG encourages continuous funding of the International Marketing Fund (IMF), Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD).
WAWG opposes any measures that interfere with the international shipment of grain. Examples include: unilateral sanctions, embargoes, violations of contract sanctity, cargo preference laws, and the withholding of food as leverage to achieve political objectives.
FARM PROGRAM
WAWG will promote, develop or pursue adequate state or federal funding for any and all farm programs on marketing and export.
WAWG supports development of a sound agricultural export policy to ensure U.S. competitiveness in the world market.
WAWG shall encourage reduction of the regulatory and tax burdens on agriculture and supporting industries.
MARKETING
WAWG supports using the BEHT funds only for domestic purchases of non perishables.
WAWG supports keeping the BEHT in a cash position.
Wheat and barley should be marketed on a 12% fixed moisture position.
US Grain Standards should reflect and identify end-use characteristics of grain, foreign or domestic, as set and approved by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). An end-use certificate should remain with the grain even through possession or identity may change.
WAWG encourages grain segregation, based on customer needs or market demands.
RESEARCH
WAWG supports continued funding for the IMPACT Center (International Marketing Program fr Agricultural Commodities & Trade) at Washington State University (WSU) to research international markets, product development, and to assess te implementation of policy changes for the U.S. wheat industry.
WAWG supports continued funding through the WWC for WS/USDA-ARS Minimum Quality Standards project - G &E study. ("G" represents the genetic component of wheat quality and "E" represents the environmental component)
WAWG supports efforts of the Washington State Crop Improvement Association (WSCIA) to control goat grass and urges growers to use caution when purchasing seed from questionable sources.
WAWG encourages other states to adopt a zero tolerance for goat grass in certified seed.
WAWG supports research funding for an alternative wheat utilization market and encourages the commercial sale of value-added grain products for export.
WAWG encourages additional financial support from state and federal agencies to develop new value added industries for the use of straw and grains, including but not limited to tax incentives, building code changes, low interest loans and grants.
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
WAWG supports laws and regulations that allow Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) funds to be used to implement conservation practices for either endangered species recovery or clean water.
WAWG opposes public acquisition of private land without providing for the loss in property tax revenue to local governments.
WAWG supports federally sponsored programs promoting all natural resource conservation programs provided they include strong local inpu and control.
WAWG supports tax law changes that would provide incentives for producers to invest in equipment that is designed for conservation.
Long-term resource retirement or rental program payments should reflect the productive value of the land, protect its crop history base, and not require additional restrictive measures upon lands returned to production.
WAWG request that agricultural representatives and producers be involved in the planning and implementation of government programs and regulations at federal, state and local levels to ensure that regulations are socially and economically feasible for growers.
WAWG supports NRCS Local Working Group process to remain in conservation district control.
CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (CRP)
WAWG supports continuing us of EBI criteria as used in th 1996 Farm bill for future CRP enrollment.
WAWG supports the current State CRP Priority Area, but we also support the establishment of a National CRP Priority Area for grouse outsid the current air quality CPA.
The CRP payment exemptions and the death benefits that apply to the landlord's heirs, should also apply to the operators heirs.
WAWG supports CRP when it is part of the economic and environmental portfolios of a working farm.
WAWG supports adjusting EBI numbers to reflect the fact that CRP cover has habitat value for wildlife.
WAWG shall lobby for extension of county waivers for acreage over the CRP 25% cap.
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (CSP)
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) payment limitation rules should be changed to follow standard FSA "person determination" guidelines.
CSP program will be administered by FSA with techincal work done by NRCS.
Producer who farms state and federal owned lands should be eligible to participate in CSP.
ENDANGERED SPECIES (ESA)
WAWG supports modifying the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to take into consideration the economic impact of recovering endangered species.
WAWG believes that actions taken because of the Endangered Species Act or the Clean Water Act should be economically viable, biologically sound and respect land owners rights.
WAWG will work for economic stability in counties that have land in CRP and species that are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
WAWG supports an ESA baseline that includes dams.
WATER
WAWG supports local level participation in regulatory decision making activities impacting water quality, quantity, in stream flow and habitat use.
WAWG opposes federal, state or local designation of any agricultural practice as a point source of pollution. Agriculture crop protection has historically been regarded as a "non-profit" source of pollution under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
WAWG supports reforming the water relinquishment statute to preserve existing water rights.
WAWG supports continuing development of the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Columbia Basin Project in order to minimize groundwater declines within the Odessa Groundwater Management Subarea. (Chapter 173-130A WAC)
WAWG supports the original intent of the exempt well statute.
WAWG opposes any action that would reduce agricultural priorities of any of the state's water or change the first-in-time, first-in-right doctrine, as intended by Western Water Law.
WAWG opposes fees for water rights use.
AIR
WAWG supports the option of controlled open field burning as a tool in agriculture's effort to implement integrated pest management, manage residue and improve soil conservation practices.
WAWG opposes changes to the Washington Clean Air Act that will negatively affect agriculture.
WAWG supports the Department of Ecology's program to educate both the public and growers about smoke management for public health.
WAWG supports field-burning regulations based on Best Management Practices (BMPs) administered at the local level.
WAWG will work with the appropriate agencies to refine Best Management Practices (BMPs) to rduce emission from Ag burning.
WAWG will continue to work with federal and state agencies and university researchers to study the origins and effects of naturally occurring fugitive dust.
WAWG supports full funding for the Northwest Columbia Plateau Wind Erosion Air Quality Project (also known as the Columbia Plateau PM-10 Project or CP3).
CROP PROTECTION
Registrations for agricultural chemicals in the U.S. and Canada should be harmonized.
WAWG will work with pesticide manufacturers, regulatory agencies and research universities to gain registration and maintain the use of suitable registered pesticides.
WAWG supports increased federal funding for import food inspections.
WAWG supports the professional use of pesticides and best management practices.
WAWG opposes mandatory reporting of agricultural pesticide use to governmental agencies.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP)
Best Management Practices (BMP) and preservation of crop residue for Alternative Conservation Systems (ACS) acreage should reflect local BMPs as developed and revised locally. Conservation District boards should retain the authority to develop ACS.
WAWG will strive to ensure that all BMPs will be written to continue the economic sustainability of current farm units.
WAWG requests federal and state agencies to recognize local innovative conservation and BMPs and give farmers credit for using practices that effectively protect the natural resources on their farms.
WAWG will work with agencies to evaluate local BMPs that help protect ground water.
RESEARCH COMMITTEE
WAWG strongly encourages the prioritization of wheat & barley research, including discussions with all interested parties, in the following areas:
- Production and varietal development.
- All aspects of diseases, insects, weeds, winter hardiness, and sprout damage.
- Soil fertility and plant nutrition.
- Crop rotation and alternative crops.
- Soil conservation (including continuation of the (Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems) STEEP Program).
- Marketing (including continuation of IMPACT - WSU's International Marketing program for Agricultural Commidities and Trade).
- Agriculture economics.
- Grain quality and varietal testing of all public and private cultivars grown in Washington (Western Wheat Quality Lab).
- Carbon Sequestration.
WAWG encourages research efforts in evaluating/developing perennial wheat for commercial production in Washington.
WAWG in conjunction with the Washington Wheat Commission (WWC), Washington Barley Commission (WBC) and Washington State University (WSU) should work toward greater Pacific Northwest support for USDA/ARS's Land Management and Water Conservation Research Unit located in Pullman, WA to insure development o acceptable integrated methods of weed control and increased competitiveness of wheat and barley.
WAWG will work with environmental groups to find areas of mutul concern where both groups can financially support sound science research that focuses on solving environmental quality problems.
WAWG urges all growers to participate in coordinated farm research.
WAWG supports full and continued funding of the Ag and Food Research Initiative in the 08 Farm Bill.
ENERGY
WAWG supports development of alternative sources of energy that benefit small grain producers.
RESEARCH FUNDING
WAWG supports efforts to fund WSU, Agricultural Research Center and University Extension at the level of its peer institutions.
WAWG supports placing expanded greenhouse facilities to alleviate crowding for wheat breeding as a high priority in the WS capital budget request.
WAWG supports Plant Variety Protection (PVP) for new public released varieties of wheat developed at WSU that need Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection for varieties developed with public funds.
WAWG requests that technical positions at Washington State University (WSU) in the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) be funded by the Washington State Legislature.
WAWG will request Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to provide stabilized or increased funding to the Western Wheat Quality Lab in Pullman, WA.
WAWG supports and encourages the American wheat and barley industry to join National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research Initiative (C-FAR), wiht the rest of the agricultural industry, to double Ag research funding.
EDUCATION
WAWG supports and encourages standardization of wheat quality testing protocols, procedures, and data reporting between the four Pacific Northwest wheat quality testing laboratories. This includes the USDA-ARS Western Wheat Quality Laboratory located in Pullman, Washington; the Wheat Marketing Center, Inc., located in Portland, Oregon; and the University of Idaho Wheat Quality Laboratory, located in Aberdeen, Idaho, the Oregon State University, and Wheat Quality Laboratory located in Corvallis, Oregon.
WAWG supports Washington State University (WSU) retaining full authority to use, manage, buy and sell research real estate properties that they own and oversee.
BIOTECHNOLOGY*
Biotechnological** research holds great promise for the future and the U.S. wheat industry recognizes these advancements. In preparation for the future commercialization of biotechnologically-derived wheat, we take the following positions:
- We support and will work to ensure the ability of wheat producers to make planting and marketing choices based on economic, agronomic, and market factors.
- We support the ability of our wheat customers to make purchases on the basis of specific traits. We commit ourselves to the principle that our customers' needs are vitally important.
- We support and will assist in the development by all segments of the industry of an orderly marketing system to assure delivery of non-transgenic wheat within reasonable tolerances to markets that require it.
- We urge the adoption of a nationally and internationally accepted definition of biotechnologically-derived products.* We also urge international harmonization of scientific standards and trade rules.
- We support voluntary labeling of food products, provided it is consistent with U.S. law and international trade agreements and is truthful and not misleading. We oppose government-mandated labeling of wheat products in both the U.S. and international markets based upon the presence or absence of biotechnologically-derived traits that do not differ significantly from their conventional counterpart.
- We support the establishment of a reasonable threshold level for adventitious or accidental inclusion of biotechnologically-derived traits in bulk wheat or wheat food products in both the U.S. and international markets.
- We are confident that biotechnology will deliver significant consumer and producer benefits and we support continued biotechnology research, and product and market development. We invite valued and interested customers to join with us in a working partnership to explore the emerging biotechnology industry.
*USW/NAWG/WETEC Position Statement
(Amended version adopted by USW on February 4, 2006)
**U.S. wheat industry definition: biotechnologically-derived (genetically modified organisms, or GMO's):
Genetically modified organisms (commonly referred to as "transgenic") are organisms derived from somatic cell fusion or direct insertion of a gene construct, typically but not necessarily from a sexually-incompatible species, using recombinant DNA techniques and any genetic transformation technology (e.g. bacterial vectors, particle bombardment, electroporation).
STATE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
LEGISLATION
WAWG supports the merger of the Washington Wheat and Barley Commissions.
WAWG supports changing the name of the Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration to the Washington State Commission on Pest Management.
WAWG supports the WSU CAHNRS budget requests for 2009.
WAWG opposes restrictions on roadside spraying that will compromise fire and weed management.
WAWG firmly opposed state legislation creating collective bargaining for agricultural workers.
WAWG supports maintaining the integrity of dedicated state funds and accounts. Any associated accrued interest should be appropriated to and used for only their original intent.
TAXES
WAWG positions on state tax policy are:
- Support the Open Space Act.
- Support tax and spending reform and elimination fo the B&O tax.
- Oppose taxes and policies that hinder intra-family transfers of family farms.
- Oppose removal of lands from local tax rolls through state and federal acquisition without compensation to local taxing jurisdictions.
- Oppose any changes to any tax preferences that would be harmful to agriculture.
- Tax increases must be voted on by affected voters.
- Removal of the state portion of the sales tax on all farm equipment.
REGULATORY REFORM
WAWG supports legislative and administrative efforts to enact and implement state regulatory reforms that would reduce regulatory burdens on individuals and businesses.
WAWG supports the concept that whenever governmental actions adversely affect the value or use of private property, the owner must be fairly compensated.
WAWG will work with all organized user groups, state agencies and the legislature to ensure departmental rule making is consistent with legislative intent and to promote an efficient and responsive management process in the state of Washington.
WAWG supports the public right to know who has filed an environmental quality management complaint.
STATE AGENCIES
Department of Agriculture
WAWG positions on Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issues are:
- Supports continued WSDA administration of the regulation of agricultural chemical use, versus Department of Ecology (DOE) administration.
- Supports continued WSDA administration of the grain inspection program, versus federal administration.
- Supports funding for the waste pesticide collection programs.
- Supports maintaining legislative appropriations to WSDA at levels, which allows the department to efficiently and effectively perform its legisalted responsibilites.
Department of Ecology
WAWG supports funding for conservation districts to assist landowners and operators to implement necessary conservation practices to maintain clean water.
WAWG believes Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) should be determined by landowners, operators and local conservation experts.
Department of Employment Security
WAWG supports cutting Employment Security unemployment insurance (UI) rates to reduce any excessive surpluses in the UI account and opposes increased spending on training and benefits programs.
Department of Labor and Industries
WAWG positions on Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) issues are:
- Opposes farm safety regulations that are burdensome and unnecessary.
- Requests direct mailings to growers of proposed and adopted changes to the Agricultural Safety Code in language easily understood by growers.
- Supports adoption of a more flexible industrial insurance system that would allow private insurance and group self-insurance.
WAWG will continue to work with other agricultural employer groups, the legislature, and Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to ensure that both the content and the format of the Agricultural Safety Code are conducive to the maintenance of farm safety in our state.
WAWG will work with Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) to develop various strategies, such as the breaking out of rates, base on specific farm operations in an effort to keep the rates lower.
Department of Natural Resources
WAWG shall regularly meet with the Commissioner of Public Lands, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or his designated representatives to discuss issues of mutual concern.
WAWG opposes DNR aggressively purchasing agricultural land to form any new land trusts for the state.
Make Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) eligible on State Trust Lands, managed by Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
State Noxious Weed Board
WAWG will work with the State Noxious Weed Board and the legislature to ensure that any amendments to the state noxious weed laws and regulations are necessary, practical, and effective.
EDUCATION
WAWG encourages it members and leaders to:
- Communicate and cooperate with other agricultural organizations and companies (partnerships) to collectively influence agricultural policy.
- Have an active and frequent presence in Olympia.
- Utilize the expertise of the WAWG lobbyist to inform the membership and help direct WAWG policy in Olympia.
- Individually get involved in local and state political processes and work for the election of candidates favorable to agriculture.
- Inform non-agricultural legislators of the value, needs and importance of agriculture in the state.
WAWG will monitor attempts to further restrict the freedoms of teaching our trade to interested children and young people. WAWG opposes rules and regulations effecting employment of young people on farms as long as adequate safety and educational training measures are maintained.
WAWG supports states' efforts that ask county commissioners to formally request in writing that the state and federal governments direct their employees do the following:
- Consult with each respective county prior to implementing any laws, statutes, or U.S. Codes;
- Follow and adhere to the aforementioned laws, statutes, or USCs, which would affect the economy, customs and culture of their county.
WAWG opposes any state laws or regulations, which are more restrictive than the 1987 federal manual for defining wetlands. Any such laws or regulations must require that all defining factors be present: soil type, water, air, plant type, animal and human (SWAPHA).
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Washington Association of Wheat Growers will pursue all efforts to keep a well maintained West Coast Trade Cooridor. We will do so by helping to maintain or improve Roadway, Rail, and River (Navigation) Freight Corridors.
ROAD
WAWG requests that any funds collected from any transportation source or mode, be allocated back to transportation uses.
WAWG requests the Washington State Transportation Commission and WSDOT develop a statewide long term Freight Plan for Washington State that incorporates both infrastucture and funding plans.
WAWG will educate wheat farmers and continue to lobby against additional Interstate and Intrastate licensing issues for farm trucks and semi-tractor/trailer vehicles.
WAWG will lobby the Unified Carrier Registration board and congressional delegation to define interstate trade as vehicles crossing of the state line with agriculture commodities.
WAWG requires the WSDOT and county road departments continue annual roadside spraying programs for the abatement of weeds.
RAIL
WAWG supports the funding of the rehabilitation of the Palouse River Coulee City railroad by WSDOT as ORIGINALLY directed by the legislature.
WAWG supports federal and state assistance for branch line track rehabilitation.
WAWG will pursue the re-establishment of a connection between the BNSF and UP lines, through rebuilding the Trestle on the Hooper line or re-establishing the line from Oakesdale to Thornton.
WAWG continues to encourage WSDOT to ensure the return and use of Washington Grain Train cars primarily on short lines in the Pacific Northwest AND to purchase additional Grain Train cars when economically feasible.
WAWG encourages the State of Washington to ensure the mainline rail carriers provide grain cars to shippers in an economically fair and timely manner to ensure that state investment in short line infrastucture is not marginalized.
WAWG supports the Alliance for Rail Competition (ARC) and their efforts for rail-to-rail competition.
WAWG urges members of Congress, the Surface Transportation Board and other responsible Government entities, to prevent America's railroads from implementing unnecessary new railcar standards that would impede the timely and economical transportation of anhydrous ammonia, an essential fertilizer for wheat and the feedstock used to produce other nitrogen products.
WAWG asks the legislature and WSDOT to use their influence to maintain trackage rights and access to the rail line to Wallula for future use.
RIVERS
WAWG will continue membership of the PNWA (Pacific Northwest Waterways Association) and will hold a position on its Board of Directors.
WAWG supports a strong barge, river and port system with continued federal and state funding for operations, maintenance and improvement of the region's inland waterways, infrastructure, and coastal harbor channels.
WAWG encourages Washington State legislators to actively support and pursue rivers (navigation) as an integral part of freight mobility in relieving rail and road congestion.
WAWG supports retaining congressional authority over navigation and the other congressionally authorized purposes of the federal Columbia/Snake River system projects.
WAWG supports development of biologically effective salmon recovery measures that maintain the existing federally authorized multiple-use river system.
WAWG strongly endorses the routine maintenance of the Columbia/Snake River Navigational Channel at authorized depth via dredging and/or by adjusting reservoir pool levels.
MEMBERSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS INFORMATION COMMITTEE
EDUCATION
WAWG shall actively produce public information and educational programs in order to increase the awareness of wheat and agriculture's importance to the state and nation's economy.
WAWG encourages the Washington Wheat Commission (WWC), Washington Wheat Foundation (WWF) and Washington Barley Commission (WBC) to continue funding public informational programs.
WAWG urges the WWC to continue to fund and assist the Wheat Foods Council in its objectives.
Each county association of wheat growers is encouraged to annually help fund "Ag in the Classroom" newsletter and/or PRIME program.
WAWG will maintain an active website, linked to other wheat industry sites for complete information and education for members and the public.
VALUE ADDED SERVICE, PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
WAWG will engage various companies to offer optional value-added services to individual WAWG members and associates. Officers, Executive Committee, staff and the WAWG Membership Committee will review and make recommendations to the WAWG Board of Directors for final approval.
MEMBERSHIP
WAWG encourages each county to:
- Recruit all wheat producers as members.
- Upgrade individual membership levels.
Optimize levels of communication on the national, state and local county level through newsletters, websites, Wheat Life and e-mail.
State committees should maintain continuity in their plans and goals:
- Each county should have a member assigned to each state committee.
- Committee chairmen shall receive a job description, instruction and budget.
As representatives of WAWG state officers and executive committee members should not publicly endorse political candidates.
Membership is the grassroots of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers.
Membership fees can change with growers needs. The following membership levels will be current until such time as the membership with proper procedure shall choose to change amounts (as outlined in Article X - Conventions or by Board motion to be reconfirmed at state annual meeting.)
Lifetime member dues remain as a permanent endowment (regardless of death) and only the interest from the permanent endowment may be used as non-restricted funds.
Harvest Plus Lifetime Membership dues will be 30 times that of the Grower membership level. As of 12/04/04 the amount is $3000 and payments over a three (3) year billing period is allowed and is non-refundable.
The dues for regular membership (voting) shall be:
- Grower - $100 per person per annum,
- Booster - $175 for 2 family members per annum,
- Bushel Club - $350 for up to 4 family members per annum,
- High Yielder - $500 for up to 6 family members per annum.
The minimum dues for Associate Members (non-voting) shall be:
- Century Club - $100 per annum,
- VIP - $250 per annum,
- CEO - $500 per annum,
- Executive - $1000 per annum,
- Associate Lifetime - $6000 onetime payment.
Affiliate Membership at $75 is for retired growers or landlords - previously at the regular member level. They are a non-voting member, but receive the WAWG Green Sheet newletter and Wheat Life magazine.
The state association will provide Wheat Life magazine and Green Sheet newsletter at all levels of membership.
The state association shall retain eighty-five (85%) percent of membership payments and fifteen (15%) percent shall be returned to the counties for their efforts towards membership. Lifetime member fees are excluded from the 85/15% amounts to be retained by the state and counties respectfully. County paybacks will be paid four times a year.
Members are encouraged to donate to LAF (Legislative Action Fund) and Barley Boosters for state and national legislative lobbying, and to the Environment Stewardship Fund for fighting environmental issues that arise and directly affect growers.
2009 WAWG Resolutions passed at the 2008 Washington Association of Wheat Growers Convention on November 15, 2008.
