Farm Internship Legislation Clears Washington Senate

It’s a challenge for farms, big and small across the country, and across the Northwest; finding adequate, qualified workers.  Now one Washington lawmaker is trying to help producers find the next generation of farmers.  Washington state Ron Muzzall sponsored a bill to revive a program to expose young workers to the agricultural industry.

"This is a reestablishment of the pilot program put together by Labor and Industries.  It’s for small farms, and their interns.  It’s a well put together program.”

The Oak Harbor Republican’s said Senate Bill 6421 will help to address shortages reported across a variety of sectors of farming.

“It presents an opportunity for beginning farmers, and also interns who want to be farmers.  So, I ask for your support of this bill.

He noted interns could receive training and other benefits such as housing.  This is Muzzall’s first bill to be approved since joining the Senate.

SB 6421 now goes to the House of Representatives.

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