Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, speaks with constituents in Carnation earlier in the day before the October 11 meeting with the governor/Credit: Eric LaFontaine

OLYMPIA… State government can help make the future brighter for Washington agriculture by taking more of a practical, hands-off approach, says Sen. Keith Goehner, who took part in a roundtable discussion in Wenatchee last month between Gov. Bob Ferguson and local farmers and tree fruit growers.

Goehner, R-Dryden, said that while he appreciates the governor’s visit, the discussion reinforced his view that the success of Washington’s agricultural sector depends less on new government initiatives and more on removing the burdens that have made farming even harder in recent years.

“The sad reality is that many of the challenges facing farmers today are the direct result of government interference, whether through taxes, regulations, or mandates that drive up costs and limit flexibility,” said Goehner. “If the governor and others in Olympia truly want to support agriculture in Washington, they need to  reduce some regulations and remove the barriers that are suffocating farm operations.”

The 12th District senator said the governor pointed to the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) as an example of a policy that benefits both the environment and the economy. Goehner strongly disagreed, saying the program’s carbon-pricing scheme has harmed farmers and orchardists.

“There’s no one who cares more about the environment than farmers,” Goehner said. “We are constantly working to improve soil health, conserve water, and capture carbon through our crops. Yet, policies like the CCA make it more expensive and more difficult to continue these environmentally responsible practices.”

Goehner said that instead of relying on new layers of state spending or mandates, the state’s legislative and executive branches should focus on practical solutions.

“Farmers and fruit growers need freedom and flexibility, not more paperwork or political talking points,” Goehner added. “Washington agriculture has always thrived because of innovation, stewardship, and hard work, not government micromanagement.”

Goehner, who has deep roots in orchard management and local government, said he remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen rural economies, protect farmland, and ensure Washington remains a global leader in tree fruit production.

For more information on Goehner’s legislative work, visit keithgoehner.src.wastateleg.org.

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