During the 2007 Washington legislative session, the agricultural community supported a bill that would have granted an exemption to critical areas ordinances (CAOs), for ongoing agricultural practices. The issue quickly became contentious and was the subject of many negotiations. The Legislature decided that the conflict between agricultural practices and CAOs was much too complex an issue to be solved in a 105-day legislative session. This led them to pass Senate Bill 5248.

SB 5248 had two main components. The first piece was direction for a study to be conducted by the Ruckelshaus Center, jointly managed by the University of Washington and Washington State University. This study will look deeper into the effect of the WA Growth Management Act – and specifically CAOs – on agricultural activities.

The second part is a four-year period in which no new CAO regulations can be placed on agricultural activities. This allows us to search for new solutions without the fear of new regulations in the meantime.

The study will last two years, with reports on progress due in December of 2007 and a final report to the Legislature in December of 2008. The study committee’s goal is to come back to the Legislature with some voluntary programs that will help alleviate the ongoing conflict between the conservation of critical areas and the viability of agriculture. The study committee is made up of 17 members representing various interests. The four main interests represented are agriculture, environment, tribes, and local governments. Scott Dahlman represents the Washington State Grange.

Possible Closing of Agricultural Research Stations

In the Summer of 2007, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation which directed the state’s Program Evaluation Division (PED) to evaluate North Carolina’s eighteen agricultural research stations for efficiency, structure, and management to determine if the current co-ownership between the NC Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina State University (NCSU) was effective, or whether one entity should assume control. On May 8, 2008, the PED officially presented their findings to concerned members of the agricultural community. North Carolina State Grange Master Jimmy Gentry and Legislative Director Allison Fowler sat in the front, NC Grange policy in hand, to listen to the recommendations presented.

Five recommendations were made, with the final one being to close seven research stations. The NC State Grange firmly opposes any effort to disrupt the relationship among NCDA, NCSU, and NC A&T, which would lead to a reduction in agricultural research taking place in North Carolina. Without internal cooperation from the three entities, there is a chance that legislation will force PED’s recommendations to be followed through – with the possibility of closing seven research stations. State legislators have sponsored a bill that will bring all three entities to the table – with advice and consent from the Board of Agriculture – to develop a strategic plan and bring about a resolution. Hopefully, the prevailing idea will be that reducing quantity in the name of efficiency is not always the most effective thing to do.

Political Forum Hosted By Grantham Grange

Grantham Grange is proof that one organization can bring together current and future leaders in Wayne & Johnston Counties in one place so that an entire community can benefit. Twenty-three candidates, or their spokesperson, sat elbow to elbow before a large crowd at the Grantham Fire Department on the night of April 28. Each wore their political pins, flyers were distributed to every person in the audience, and the local media was ready to record this event. Before beginning, each candidate had the unique opportunity to share refreshments and make a personal connection with those in attendance.

Each candidate introduced himself, most boasted of their proud upbringing in Wayne County, and each gave their reasons for being the best candidate for their respective position. Dr. John Tart served as the moderator of the forum, asking insightful and probing questions about how each candidate would treat specific issues pertaining to their duties.

After the forum, candidates were free to continue campaigning, and many in the audience had questions or wanted to relay their support. Without a doubt, it was a beneficial night for both members of the community and those running for office. Grantham Grange stepped up to be a great legislative leader by hosting this event.