Shewmake: Legislation Will Help Farmers Reduce Carbon In Atmosphere

A bill supporters say will help Washington farmers reduce carbon in the atmosphere, all while improving soil health, was approved by the state Senate on Wednesday. But, paying for “carbon farming” can be challenging for producers who already operate on a thin profit margin.

That’s where Senate Bill 5974 comes in.

Representative Sharon Shewmake, a Whatcom County democrat, was a sponsor of the House version of the legislation. She said SB 5947 establishes the sustainable farms and fields grant program to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to take steps to increase their carbon farming without taking on substantial debt for new technology.

“Farmers are stewards of our land, so if we want to do some conservation, we want farmers to be one of our partners. This bill is really exciting because it brings farmers into the conversation of how we’re going to respond to climate change.”

The bill has already cleared the House, and with Wednesday’s vote, it now goes on to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature.

Click Here to learn more about SB 5974.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com