Agricultural crisis: A call to action

The state’s agriculture has long been a cornerstone of American farming. As our nation’s number one producer of apples, blueberries, hops, and sweet cherries, our agricultural industry makes vital contributions to our economy and food security. Despite these achievements, our farmers are in jeopardy.

Over the past five years, Washington has seen a 10 percent decrease in the number of farms and a 6 percent reduction in farmland. These alarming trends point to an industry under pressure, struggling to survive amid rising costs and an increasingly difficult regulatory environment.

The financial s...