HB 3088 - DIGEST

Finds that, to better attain the interdependent goals of continued existence of farmland and the economic viability of farms for the future of Washington, state government needs to affirmatively position itself to take maximum advantage of all available federal, regional, state, local, and private sources of funding and programs consistent with achieving these goals.

Finds that there are many other societal, environmental, and economic goals affecting farmland and on farming operations as demonstrated by the significant and permanent loss of agricultural lands and farm operations in many regions of the state.

Finds that a reasonable degree of accommodation can often be found between agriculture and these other societal, environmental, and economic pressures but such an accommodation requires a thorough understanding of the effects and opportunities to achieve an accommodation without further jeopardizing continued existence and viability of farms in the process.

Declares that, because of this growing understanding, funding for several programs are being offered by the federal, regional, state, local, and private sources to enhance the opportunity of farms to exist, farmers to be economically viable, and farms to provide enhanced fish and wildlife habitat on private lands while retaining continued agricultural use.

Finds that the competitive marketplace for agricultural products is becoming more international and that the continued existence of a viable agricultural sector in Washington state depends on the feasibility of farms to compete successfully with its competitors.

Creates the farms for the future of Washington account in the custody of the state treasurer.