WAWG
Protect Existing Tax Policy
• Retaining all food and farm-related tax incentives are critical to the agricultural industry. Agriculture tax preferences are a valuable benefit to our economy and offer farmers a more level playing field with other major ag production states. Preferences are intended to be a long-term state investment into the agricultural industry.
Preserving Washington’s Economic Competitiveness
• Carbon policies should ensure that Washington State retains its economic competitiveness and not disadvantage Washington farmers. Carbon taxes will raise fuel, fertilizer, transportation and processing costs. Farmers cannot pass these costs on. Any carbon policies should factor in the significant benefit agricultural soils sequester and store carbon through sustainable farming practices.
• Snake River dams are vital to Washington’s ag economy and transportation infrastructure and should remain intact. Nearly 67 million bushels of wheat are transported on the Columbia/Snake Rivers, alleviating the burden on our road and rail systems. Timely, cost-competitive shipping is critical to our industries’ ability to market our wheat globally.
Investing in the future of Washington State Agriculture
• Plant Sciences Building at WSU Pullman Campus. This major facility will continue progress toward the research and education complex. A new, modern facility is needed to enable WSU to carry out more cutting-edge plant science research. This was funded in the Governor’s proposed budget. WAWG also supports the Global Animal Health Phase II at WSU Pullman Campus in order to maintain the state’s only animal disease diagnostic lab. (see packet for more information.)
Providing Accountability in DNR’s Agricultural Lease Program
• DNR’s agricultural leases contain a provision allowing DNR to unilaterally terminate a lease with only 60 days advance notice if DNR has a plan to generate higher rent for the property. To allow some assurances that land investments will be protected and realized, DNR should not be able to terminate an agricultural lease without at least 180 days advance notice and DNR should provide written notice of their management plan.
Preserving Rural Development by Protecting the Use of Exempt Wells
• A recent Washington State Supreme Court decision known as the Hirst decision has created uncertainty over development in rural areas by restricting the use of exempt wells. A legislative fix is needed to allow for the use of exempt wells in rural areas.