|
|
Posts Tagged ‘washington’
Saturday, January 28th, 2012
A bill being debated in the Washington State assembly that would restrict the usage of pesticides near residential areas is picking up steam, according to sources in the Washington Statehouse.
Sponsors of the bill say that it is necessary to protect farm workers and local residents from the negative health effects of pesticide use. Farmers, on the other hand, argue that the bill would hamper agricultural production and is unnecessary given current federal pesticide regulations.
The bill in question would create buffer zones preventing farms from spraying pesticides within a half-mile of schools, day cares, and residential homes. The bill is based on current regulations that prevent pesticide spraying within a half mile of commercial greenhouses.
Current federal regulations impose no distance requirements, choosing instead to require farmers to read and obey warning labels on pesticide containers.
Representatives of the Columbia Legal Service, a non-profit organization that supports the proposed bill, argue that humans deserve the same protection as grapes (which are currently protected with pesticide buffer zones).
Farmers, on the other hand, argue that the bill is not necessary. According to the head of the Yakima Valley Growers and Shippers Association, “Humans are protected more than a grape. It’s just done in federal regulation rather than in state law.”
In addition, state agencies are unsure about the efficacy of the bill. According to the departments of Health, Agriculture, and Labor, the state government does not have the manpower or the resource to efficiently enforce the new legislation.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: pesticides, washington
Posted in General | No Comments »
Sunday, January 15th, 2012
A bipartisan bill seeking to alter Washington State’s school schedule will also address chronic farm labor shortages across the state, supporters say.
Last year, Washington farmers experienced a major farm labor shortage at the height of harvest season. Orchardists across the state lost significant portions of their crop due to a lack of farm hands. State officials attempted to use convict labor, but the prospect of minimum wage was not palatable to many potential workers.
The bill in question would rearrange the school schedule to make it easier for children to work on farms while away from the classroom.
In addition, the bill would allow schools to offer classroom credit for students working on farms. According to Representative Norm Johnson, “The bill leaves it pretty wide open as to what [schools and colleges] can do. They could work as a senior project, colleges could offer some tuition incentive, some type of program where students could get credit for this.”
The Superintendent of the Sunnyside School District in Yakima County has come out in favor of the plan. While he hasn’t read the legislation, he has supported the idea of offering school credit for agricultural work.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: child labor, farm labor, washington
Posted in General | No Comments »
Sunday, August 7th, 2011
Earlier this week, three Washington state berry farms were fined for using child labor. The farms in question, George Hoffman Farms, Berry Good Farms, and Columbia Fruit LLC, were discovered to have unofficially employed nine children between the ages of six and eleven. The three farms were punished with fines totaling over $70,000.
The federal Fair Labor Standards forbids children under the age of twelve from working in agricultural jobs, even with parental approval and even if they are supporting employed family members. Children over the age of twelve can work on farms, but require significant documentation and child agricultural labor is significantly regulated.
The Washington case raises some difficult questions regarding agricultural labor and migrant workers. According to many farmers, migrant laborers have a long tradition of working alongside family, particularly in agricultural jobs.
Some of the Washington farmers claim that underage children followed their parents and families onto the field, working without official sanction by the various berry farms. The problem, however, have determined that employers who benefit from the labor of children, whether they officially hired the workers or not, are liable.
USDA officials have reported that the berry farms in question can appeal the fines, and many expect that they will do so shortly. Representatives from the farm have declined to speak ot nthe media.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: child labor, washington
Posted in General | No Comments »
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011
Agricultural officials in Washington and Montana have detected a new biological threat to human health on Northwestern goat farms. A bacterial infection known as Q fever seems to have spread from goats to humans in that region, worrying some health officials over potential outbreaks. So far, five people have been sickened in the Moses Lake area of central Washington, with the initial outbreak being traced back to Cascade and Teton Counties in Montana, where six people have been sickened.
Q fever presents much like the flu. Common symptoms include high fever, malaise, severe headache, muscle pain, coughing, nausea, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. The symptoms usually last from one to two weeks. Although typically a minor concern, rare cases can lead to more serious symptoms, including pneumonia and other potentially deadly reparatory ailments.
Washington health officials pointed out that human cases of Q fever are usually rare, with no more than three instances per year. Officials are at a loss to explain the sudden spike. Currently, it is unclear whether the increased diagnoses are the result of higher awareness of Q fever leading to more accurate diagnoses, or if it is a case of the disease spreading more quickly.
Farm workers, particularly those at goat farms, are vulnerable to the disease, which can be spread through inhaling the dust of infected animals. Left untreated, the disease can lead to more serious complications, so health officials in Washington and Montana are urging farm workers to be aware of symptoms.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: goat farms, Q fever, washington
Posted in General | No Comments »
Sunday, June 5th, 2011
Washington state agricultural exports have reached a record pace this year. Measured from between October 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011, Washington exports have broken all previous records. Washington’s trends have mirrored recent national trends. Until a recent string of bad weather, national agricultural exports were outpacing previous estimates and were expected to break several records.
Washington agricultural exports reached $1.9 billion, up from the previously set record of $1.8 billion in 2008. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire praised Washington farmers, stating, “I commend our Washington state growers, who have rightly earned the reputation of producing the finest quality products in the world. Their tireless work to market our products overseas will help spur economic development and job growth here at home.”
Washington’s increased exports are primarily due to expanding trade relations with China and other Asian nations. Food exports to China increased almost 30% from the 2009/2010 period. The massive increase in food exports continues to indicate the importance of international trade for agricultural business. Given its status as an increasingly developing middle class nation, China will continue to be important to American agriculture as a major consumer.
In addition, Washington has benefited from better weather conditions than other parts of the United States. Washington State has avoided the severe wetness of the Midwest, which has prevented plantings, and the flooding and droughts of the South and Southwest.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Chris Gregoire, washington
Posted in General | No Comments »
Friday, May 20th, 2011
A series of outbreaks of equine herpes, a dangerous, a easily transmitted disease affecting horses, has alarmed agricultural officials in several western states, including Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington. The original outbreak of the virus is thought to have occurred at the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championship, which was held in Ogden Utah. Since that festival, which was held from April 30-May 8, horses across the country, but particularly in the West, have been diagnosed with the virus.
EHV-1 is a difficult disease to contain. It has the ability to spread rapidly between animals and has a high mortality rate. The primary strain of the disease can cause spontaneous abortions in pregnant horses and can lead to pneumonia, paralysis, and death in young horses. The neurological strain of the disease can impact older horses as well. Symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, since early symptoms share similarities with a host of other diseases.
Voluntary quarantines and veterinary monitoring are the typical responses to the disease. State officials across the country have not taken any official action, but are advising horse owners to be cautious and aware of the symptoms of equine herpes. Colorado, Washington, and Oregon Departments of Agriculture have not restricted movement across state lines, but all are considering it if the infections spread.
To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmplusfinancial.com.
Follow us on: Twitter
Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer
Tags: Equine Herpes, utah, washington
Posted in General | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Washington farmers are reaching out to the government as many small farmers are having difficulty obtaining farm loans.
Small farmers feel that it’s harder to get private loans due to strict and new regulations from a number of national banks. It appears that larger operations, including warehouses and processors, have an easier time getting loans while small farmers are left hanging for funding.
Adolfo Alvarez, a Grandview, Washington farmer, feels the government should step up and help out smaller establishments. “Little towns can have three or four million (dollars to fix the streets and freeways, but farmers can have nothing. Congress should put attention in farming and they are not doing it,†he told Seattle PI.
According to Joe Cervantes of the Washington State Mexican Fruit Growers Coalition, the lack of funding affects Latino farmers most. The number of Latino farmers in the state have quickly inclined over the years. The U.S. Agriculture Census reported that Latino farmers rose by 14 percent in from 2002-2007.
Farmers and officials believe without help many farmers will close their businesses in the next few years.
At a national forum discussing the problems some bankers defended the action blaming federal regulations and points the farmers to the Federal Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau offers low-rate farm loans for those denied for loans through banks for up to $1.1 million.
Regardless the size of your operation, contact Farm Plus today for information on our low-rate loans. Alongside government agencies, including the AFBF and FSA, we work to get you the funding you need to operate your farm, ranch or vineyard. Call 866-929-5585 to speak with a representative or visit our website for more information.
Tags: adolfo alvarez, grandview, usda, washington
Posted in General, Washinton Farm Loans | No Comments »
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
From January 2009 through January 2010 the agriculture industry in Washington grew, adding 12,300 new seasonal and permanent jobs according to a state report.
Not only did jobs increase in number, but wages grew from $8.79 per hour in January 2009 to 49.42 in 2010. This information follows a survey conducted with 1,800 farmers across Washington.
Many producers say the mild weather in January contributed to the growth of seasonal employment across the state. Workers were needed in north-central, southeast and south-central regions to prune fruit trees, especially apple trees.
“There’s no such thing as a recession in the agriculture industry,” said Bruce Grim, executive director at the Washington State Horticultural Association. “People have to eat.”
Over the year season jobs grew from 15,010 to 22,120 in 2010. “I don’t think people realize how huge an industry agriculture is in our state,” Dean Schau a regional labor economist said. “We measure our foreign exports in billions of dollars and it’s going all over the world.”
In 2009 Washington was able to have enough workers to complete their large, annual harvest. The recession is attributed to the employment growth with many people jumping from construction or building trades to agriculture.
Inflation fears? Refinance with Farm Plus before farm loan rates rise. Farm loan rates starting at 2.99% with 25 year terms. Visit our website or call, toll free, 866-929-5585.
Tags: usda, washington
Posted in General, Washinton Farm Loans | No Comments »
Friday, May 21st, 2010
Rural communities in 21 states will be awarded guaranteed loans from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve electricity according to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Funding for these products come from the Rural Utilities Service Electric Program from the USDA Rural Development. The money will build 2,405 miles fo new distribution lines and upgrade over 1,822 miles of existing lines. The goal of the guaranteed rural loans is to improve living conditions for residents of rural communities.
Public Utility District No. 1 in Mason County, Washington is one of the many public works receiving guaranteed loans from the USDA. The 48,555,000 loan will provide service to 420 new customers, adding 14 miles of new distribution lines. It will also add two miles of transmission lines and improve four miles of existing distribution lines.
Improved electricity lines provide additional jobs for locals and better living and business conditions for farmers. Farmers will have additional resources for such things as storage and equipment.
Farm loan rates starting at 2.95%. Lock in before farm loan rates rise. Contact Farm Plus by clicking here or calling toll free 866-929-5585.
Tags: usda, vilsack, washington
Posted in Washinton Farm Loans | No Comments »
Monday, April 6th, 2009
Grain industry leaders in Oregon, Washington and Idaho wrote a letter to President Obama opposing his proposal to cut payments to farms with revenue over $500,000.
“The purpose of the five-year Farm Bill is to provide stability for producers, agricultural operations and our nation’s food system,” the letter stated. “We believe it’s unwise and unacceptable to dismantle this critical piece of legislation before it has even had a chance to be fully implemented.”
This change would effect over 1,200 Oregon farmers. “The premise is that USDA farm dollars would be going to those who are most in need of money,” Jane Harden, the executive director of the Umatilla County Farm Service Agency told The East Oregonian. “But $500,000 is not much money- it’s actually a very small dollar amount.”
Many expect the proposal to not pass because 50 Congress members already signed a letter opposing it. “Direct payments are necessary to shore up the operating loans needed to make a farm work,” Tammy Dennee of the Oregon Wheat Growers League added.
Denee said the purpose of the letter wasn’t to stop the proposal, but better inform the president of the impact this decision will have. “It’s our opportunity and challenge to help Congress and the new administration understand the interdependence of these programs and how they are viewed in the countryside by growers and their bankers.”
If you are interested in purchasing farm land contact Farm Plus today. Low rate farm loans are available for a variety of needs. Call 866-929-5585d or visit online for more information about farm loans.
Tags: bill, FSA, grain, idaho, obama, oregon, washington
Posted in General, Idaho Farm Loans, Oregon farm loans, Washinton Farm Loans | No Comments »
|
|
|
|
