WASHINGTON – The Climate Commitment Act, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is causing challenges for farmers in Washington. The act sets pollution caps for the state’s largest polluters. Bre Elsey, Director of Governmental Affairs with the Washington Farm Bureau, highlighted that while large-scale farmers receive exemptions, small and medium-sized farms are not benefiting.
“And it pretty soon after that was initiated that we realized that that, in fact, was not happening,” Elsey said.
Independent retailers are reportedly not honoring the exemptions for smaller farms. The Department of Ecology provided a statement to NonStop Local, stating, “Ecology is doing everything within our existing authority to implement this exemption. We can’t force fuel suppliers to change their prices, but we can continue to help them claim the exemption so that the law works as intended. We’ve made significant progress on this issue, but we understand that issues remain. We’ll continue to engage with policymakers and fuel suppliers to support the agricultural community.“
Elsey explained that farmers are having to cut costs in other ways to remain viable.
“One of the ways they’re cutting cost is sometimes fields are just going unharvested, so you can just drive down the streets of Chelan or Douglas counties or Yakima County, and you can see apples still on the trees,” she said.
She also noted that it is not just the Climate Commitment Act affecting farmers, but other issues like wage costs and environmental factors. Elsey has been in Olympia discussing solutions with legislators.
“When I speak with legislators, I say not only do we not need more bills that impact the viability of agriculture in the state of Washington. Agriculture needs a relief package at this point. I mean, we’re beyond the point where we can take any more hits and still survive as an industry. And the data is showing that,” Elsey stated.
Elsey encouraged the public to support local farmers.
“I would encourage the public to support your local farmer, if you are seeing increased grocery bills and you’re wondering why, you know, connect with your local farmer, connect with your legislator, say, why is this happening? This impacts all of us. I always say the agriculture doesn’t die in isolation when they go under. Everybody goes with them,” she emphasized.
Elsey expressed optimism about Governor Bob Ferguson’s interest in prioritizing the agriculture industry in Washington.
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