SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5861

BYSenator Talmadge

Providing for protection of farm land.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Senate Staff:John Stuhlmiller (786-7446)

AS OF FEBRUARY 24, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The protection of farmland and the farming economy is important to everyone in this state.  Since no specific model for the protection of farmland exists at the state or local level of government, there is a need for state and local governments to avoid indiscriminate and excessive changes in farmland use.

SUMMARY:

Each county shall adopt a plan for the protection of farmland by January 1, 1992.  This plan may be incorporated into any existing comprehensive plan adopted under RCW 36.70 (the Planning Enabling Act for counties) or into any existing plan for farmland protection.  Each county plan shall include:  (1) planning goals to protect designated farmland (land identified in county farmland protection plans) from indiscriminate or excessive changes in use and to prevent excessive soil erosion; (2) an inventory of farmland within each county; (3) measures implemented through county ordinance designed to achieve the protection of designated farmland; and (4) a designation of land to which the county implementing measures apply.

Farmland inventory shall be compiled using definitions and standards developed by the State Conservation Commission.  By July 1, 1991 and by July 1 every two years thereafter, counties shall provide a report to the commission on changes in farmland use for the preceding biennium.  The commission shall provide assistance to counties in the preparation of the inventories and reports by compiling all existing state and federal data on farmland location, quality and amount.

Farmland is defined to be all land meeting the definition of RCW 84.34.020 (the Open Space Act), and all land currently included in federal conservation programs, excluding timber land.

All state agencies that may affect designated farmland shall attempt to be consistent with applicable county farmland protection plans.

The Department of Agriculture shall report to the Legislature by January 1, 1990 as to state agency actions which may have an impact upon the conversion of farmland and shall identity administrative and legislative action to reduce, mitigate or eliminate such impact.

By January 1, 1992, and by January 1 of each biennium thereafter, the commission shall report to the Governor and the Legislature on changes in farmland uses statewide during the last biennium, using county inventories and reports.

Appropriation:    $1,950,000 to the state Conservation Commission for equal grants to counties for carrying out this act, and $100,000 is also appropriated for the Conservation Commission's new responsibilities

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 24, 1989