Even though fruits and vegetables in grocery stores may be labeled ‘organic’, this does not mean that they are necessarily pure because these products are coming in from countries whose standards may not be as high as those imposed on local farmers who have to jump through hoops to get certified. This is why it is being urged to buy locally.

One of the farmers attending spoke about the hoops she and her husband are going through with King County rules and regulations. They first began their farming operations with chickens. They learned that people can come on their land and purchase eggs and there is no problem. However, if the eggs are taken off of the property and sold elsewhere then they must become certified, pay a license fee and put a stamp on the egg cartons.

The same farmer went on to say that when they added salad greens to what they were offering, they learned that to bag and sell mixed greens from their farm there was no problem IF the buyer purchased it on their farm. When they wanted to sell the greens away from the farm, then they had to get permits and also have a kitchen inspected by the health authorities. The couple then purchased two cows so they could sell raw milk. Again, certification and other challenges even to the point of suggesting they have a separate septic system for the TWO cows! That is, if they wanted to take the milk products off of their land to sell.

Counties vary in their regulations and rules. This is one reason it is wise to investigate what the do’s and don’ts are for your county and your state wherever you live.

My perspective has been that we have become a nation of rules and regulations, which are choking the population whether it is the farmer or someone in the cities. I listened to the great presentations by other speakers and a great concern is that with the encroachment of housing developments on to agriculture land that there must be action to protect the farmer.

I urge each of us to research our own growth management act wherever we live and to begin to question unsound rules and regulations.

The presenters at this meeting were knowledgeable, informed and are working for change on the grassroots level. It is imperative that each of us participates in preserving our farmlands. What is the alternative if there are natural disasters, i.e. New Orleans? The trucks can’t get through and the grocery stores usually stock enough for 36 to 48 hours. There was much, much more information that I will share at another time when I have had the opportunity to digest what I learned. These beautiful people who represent the Democratic Party in this state are working for the betterment of not only the farmer, but also all people.

There have been pros and cons regarding the Democrat versus the Republican party, but on the grassroots level there are a number of great minds at work and again I call them unsung heroes. They want to protect the rights of the people, farmers and the land. One of the speakers said that the traffic moving into Seattle from the south is getting worse. There is a potential of the Department of Transportation creating another freeway-perhaps a 605 that would begin at Yelm or Parkland. This is really something to be aware of. It would destroy much of the farmlands. We have reached a critical place where each of us must begin to take an interest in local politics and if we don’t like the laws and regulations then we should work to get them changed. I have noticed that there is a section of the population that want to complain but do nothing; therefore they have become the contributors to the current problems.

Our vote is a precious right that has not been taken away from us and I urge those eligible to vote to be registered and use that right. No longer can we stick our heads in the sand. We are stewards of the land whether we live in cities or rural areas. Many of us are concerned about global warming. I urge you to learn about the issues and let your voice be heard.

One of the last statements made by another farmer who painted a frightening picture of our future if we do not become activists was: To a farmer every day is an Earth Day. 

Bettye Johnson_______________

JeanMarie Christenson

1st Vice Chair LD2

Candidate for State Representative '08