BILL REQ. #:  H-2046.1 

Read first time 02/17/09.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to protecting the long-term viability of Washington's agricultural economy; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that agriculture is a cornerstone of Washington's economy. Agriculture and related industries grossed nearly twenty billion dollars and employed tens of thousands of workers in 2007. Agricultural and food products valued at nearly ten billion dollars were exported through the state's ports in 2007.
     (2) The legislature recognizes that agriculture faces significant challenges now and in the future. The peak harvest workforce has fallen from sixty thousand to forty-five thousand over the past decade. There have been significant revenue losses from crops that went unpicked in recent years.
     (3) For these reasons, the legislature intends to develop strategies to help employers obtain a legal and stable workforce, and to ensure that farm workers have fair and safe housing and working conditions. In developing these strategies, the legislature further intends to work closely with representatives of both farmers and farm workers. The legislature intends that these strategies be designed to protect the long-term viability of Washington's agricultural economy.