Agriculture and family farms are an important part of the economy and character of the Second District. Whether it’s dairy operations in Snohomish County, seed farms in Skagit Valley, or a farmers market on San Juan Island, agriculture is an economic engine of Northwest Washington. As a former member of the House Agriculture Committee, I know how important research and crop insurance programs are to farmers in our state.
Accomplishments
- Voted against the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill completely misses the mark in fostering future trade opportunities for local farmers. This was used as an opportunity to gut conservation, rural development, crop insurance and nutrition funding.
- Helped create the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and Special Crop Block Grants, which fund projects to advance the unique berry, fruit, seed and vegetable industries in Washington state.
- Pushed to find funding for the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research, which enhances the sustainability and profitability for the berry, grape and wine industries.
- Introduced legislation with Rep. Suzan DelBene that would amend the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to provide $2.5 million annually to support research for berry and grape crops.
- Supported legislation to create stability in dairy markets for Northwest dairy farmers.
- Championed strong provisions for agriculture in free trade deals and encouraged the inclusion of provisions to loosen limits for U.S. exports abroad.
- Fought to protect Washington’s potato farmers from unnecessary restrictions on white potatoes in government programs.
- Supported appropriations for organic and other agriculture in Fiscal Year 2019.
- Ensured that Washington’s specialty crops are reimbursed through the Federal Crop Insurance program for fairer higher market values.
