Washington growers, here is your chance to let the state know how its regulations impact the bottom line of your business.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University’s IMPACT Center have partnered to develop a survey that seeks to understand “longstanding and emerging challenges that threaten viability and future prosperity” of the state’s $12.8 billion agricultural industry. Specifically, the survey asks about rising input costs, market loss, changing climate conditions and water availability, workforce concerns and the increasing regulatory burden, according to the survey webpage.

The 15- to 20-minute survey is anonymous, and growers should have information ready to provide details regarding: 

—Costs of and time spent associated with labor (employment taxes, worker benefits, overtime).

—Workplace safety (trainings, heat, air quality, sanitation).

—Chemical compliance (spray record, trainings, licensure).

—Climate-related activities. 

Due to the anonymous nature of the survey, respondents must complete it in one go. 

The survey is open until March 18. All details about the survey and the link to participate can be found at: agr.wa.gov/departments/directors-office/agricultural-competitiveness-and-business-viability-study.

—by Kate Prengaman