Agriculture & Forestry

Our Values

Socially and economically healthy agricultural and forest production regions are vital to the well-being of the nation.

Owner/operator farmers and foresters are the primary stewards of the land, and this type of business should be encouraged.

We must value and support solutions to the challenges of agriculture by having a connection to those who produce our food.

Agricultural soils and timber should be used in a way that maintains the viability of the resources indefinitely into the future.

Zoning is an important and appropriate tool for guiding land uses for the benefit of the greater community and region.

The economic viability of agricultural and forest resource areas require significant blocks of acreage and should be protected from urban encroachment and subdivision.

Land use policy should be used to reduce carbon emissions and energy use, protect sensitive environments, and protect the quality of resources held in common for all, such as water, soil, and air.

2010 Policy Priorities

• Seek resolution of competing water rights claims in Whatcom County, for the mutual benefit of fish, farms, people, and the environment
• Expanding the Purchase and Transfer of Development Rights programs in Whatcom County as a means to protect farm and forest lands