Washington farmers face challenges as Climate Commitment Act increases supply costs

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. …

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. ….

“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.  …