(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris and Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, will hold an agriculture forum to discuss the important issues facing the future of agriculture and farmers in Eastern Washington. The forum will be held on Saturday, October 1st from 12:30 – 2 pm at the Ritzville American Legion 538 W. Broadway, Ritzville, WA 99169.

“Agriculture is vital to the economic stability of Eastern Washington and it is one of my top priorities to help our farmers and ranchers with the challenges they are facing,” said McMorris. “I understand there are many concerns about county loan rates, transportation costs, fertilizer costs, water reliability, the upcoming Farm Bill, and fuel costs. I want to hear, first hand, about the challenges facing our agriculture community and encourage people to take this opportunity to share their thoughts with House Agriculture Chairman Goodlatte.”

Since taking office, McMorris has taken key steps to support the agriculture community in Eastern Washington:

• Passed the permanent repeal of the death tax
• Chairing a 20-member House Task Force on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Supported the Central American Free Trade Agreement
• Sponsored legislation to extend tax incentives for bio-diesel
• Sponsored legislation to help beginning farmers and ranchers
• Sponsored and supported Endangered Species Act legislation
• Secured funding for Agriculture Research Service Building at WSU in Pullman
• Secured funding for Competitiveness of Agriculture Products