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FeedTree Fruit Day in Olympia
The Washington State Horticultural Association enticed some 30 industry people to visit their state’s elected officials in Olympia on January 31 as part of the association’s Tree Fruit Day. Many of the growers had made the annual lobbying effort before, but for others, it was a first-time experience talking to senators and congressmen about tree-fruit related issues.
The association had prepared talking points for five issues that are important to the industry and that may be considered during the regular 60-day session, slated to end March 8. The topics included information on water rights, agricultural research, minimum wage, immigration reform, and potential Environmental Protection Agency buffer zone changes for agricultural sprays—the latter being of urgent concern because of pending legislation.
Growers took the talking points, but added their own perspectives on these issues to give a face to industry positions. And as an incentive to legislators, Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, provided boxes of apples to each office.
Hort president Bruce Grim will provide a column in the March 1 issue of Good Fruit Grower with additional information on the association’s involvement with Tree Fruit Day in Olympia. Any Washington State grower interested in participating in 2013’s lobbying effort should contact Lynette Smith at the Hort Association.
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