Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

"Washington's farmers and ranchers are critical to our state's economy, environment, and quality of life. I know our farmers face constant challenges -- from difficult market conditions and changing weather patterns, to natural disasters and high input costs. I have consistently fought in Washington, D.C. for our agricultural producers, farmworkers, and rural communities. I will continue to work to ensure our farmers have a safety net to help them get through hard times, access to domestic and international markets for their high-quality farm products, and housing, education, and job training opportunities for farmworkers."

My Priorities

Providing federal funding for agricultural research to help promote scientific advances, which farmers and ranchers rely on to stay competitive.

Increasing investments in specialty crop programs to ensure this growing sector receives adequate support.

Ensuring the agriculture industry has access to a stable workforce to run successful businesses.

Maintaining a safety net to help our farmers and ranchers during difficult times, such as natural disasters.

Supporting efforts to help farmers and ranchers efficiently transport their products from the farm to the market.

My Accomplishments

Restored and increased federal funding for agricultural research, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Supported important specialty crop, disaster assistance, and nutrition provisions in the 2008 and 2012 Farm Bills.

Helped create the National Clean Plant Network, which provides a source of clean, virus-free root stocks for our tree-fruit, wine-grape, and nut-tree industries.

Expanded nutrition programs that allow our local agriculture industry to provide nutritious food to our state's schools.

Increased federal funding for dredging of the Columbia River to deepen the channel, allowing barges with agricultural products to pass with ease.

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