Agriculture & Forestry

Agriculture and Forestry are industries of vital importance to Whatcom County.  We recognize the role of farmers and foresters as stewards of the land and support programs that ensure the sustainable production of high-quality foods, the preservation of family farms and agricultural lands, the protection of our forests and promotion of environmentally sound & sustainable harvesting methods, and the enhancement of rural communities.

We Call For:

• Assuring that the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is consistent with provisions of the Washington State Growth Management Act;
• Prohibiting subdivision of land in agriculture and forestry, since this ultimately leads to sprawl and lost viability of resource lands;
• Ensuring farmers’ rights to use their land for farming in perpetuity by protecting them from encroaching development and guaranteeing them water and electricity;
• Expanding the Purchase and Transfer of Development Rights programs in Whatcom County as a means to protect farm and forest lands;
• Encouraging a sustainable small farm economy;
• Legalizing the growing of industrial hemp;
• Increasing state and federal labeling of origin, genetically modified food and cloned food;