By Ron Muzzall
Special to The Seattle Times.
Washington’s agricultural roots run deep. As the number one producer of apples, blueberries, hops and sweet cherries, our state has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture. Yet, despite its vital role in feeding the nation and supporting our economy, Washington’s agriculture is in a precarious position. Over the past five years, the number of farms in our state has decreased by 10%, while farmland itself has diminished by 6%. These numbers tell a troubling story of an industry under siege.
The challenges facing our small farms are staggering. Rising production costs, razor-thin profit margins, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment are making it nearly impossible for many family farms to stay afloat. Farmers today earn just 8 to 14 cents for every dollar consumers spend on groceries. The rest goes to processing, transportation and retail. That means from a typical family’s monthly grocery bill of $1,280, a farmer sees only $179. How can we expect them to thrive under these conditions?
Production costs are soaring. Fertilizer prices hit record highs in 2022, farm diesel followed suit, and the cost of feed and labor continues to climb. In 2023 alone, farmers saw a 4% increase in input costs, up 28% from just two years prior. These expenses, coupled with high interest rates and land values, leave little room for profit. For many farmers, breaking even feels like an insurmountable goal.
Adding to these concerns are the tariffs that have created even more uncertainty for our agricultural community. Many farmers are anxious about maintaining access to crucial export markets for our famous apples, cherries and hops. These tariffs threaten to disrupt longstanding trade relationships, making it harder for Washington’s farmers to compete on the global stage and further squeezing already tight profit margins. Frustratingly, tariff discussions are beyond the control of state legislators, but the impacts will be felt far and wide.
Compounding these pressures is a growing disconnect between the public and the agricultural community. From a farmer’s perspective, it often seems like the general public believes, “We don’t need farmers; we have grocery stores.” This misconception underscores a broader issue: the widespread misinformation about agriculture. The villainization of different farming methods — whether conventional, organic or somewhere in between — has hurt our ability to be self-sufficient. The truth is, we need all sectors of food production to meet the demands of a growing population.
As a third-generation farmer on Whidbey Island, I’ve seen these challenges firsthand, how rising costs and public misconceptions make it harder for farmers to stay in business. When farmers struggle, it’s not just their livelihoods at stake — it’s our communities, our economy and our food security.
When a farmer closes the gate for the last time, our entire state suffers. Jobs disappear, rural communities lose their lifeblood and food security is threatened. Agriculture is not just an economic engine; it’s a matter of national security. A stable food supply is essential for a stable society, and that requires a thriving farm economy.
The pressures on farmers today mirror those of the 1980s farm crisis, when soaring costs and plummeting incomes drove many to bankruptcy. Washington cannot afford to let history repeat itself. The stakes are too high.
As policymakers, we must act decisively to support our farmers. That starts with streamlining regulations to reduce unnecessary burdens and costs. It means investing in programs that promote sustainable practices and economic resilience. And it requires addressing labor challenges, whether through improved visa programs or incentives for training and retention.
We also need to strengthen farm safety nets to help producers weather volatile markets and rising costs. Federal and state support eased the crisis of the 1980s. Similar action is needed today to protect our farmers and the communities that depend on them.
The cost of inaction is too great. Without thoughtful policy solutions, we risk losing not just farms, but the foundation of our food system. Washington’s farmers are resilient, resourceful and innovative. With the right support, they can overcome these challenges and continue to feed our state, our nation and the world.
One of the most concerning aspects of this crisis is the misinformation surrounding agriculture. To secure a future for farming, we must foster a deeper understanding of its complexities and challenges. Let us ensure that when the sun sets over Washington’s fields, it sets on thriving farms and hopeful futures. Let us work together to keep the gate open for generations to come.
Ron Muzzall: is a Republican representing District 10 in the Washington Legislature.
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