County law on side of farmers makes sense

Snohomish County farmers are looking for a hand at the ballot box next Tuesday.

Many say that they need voters to approve a county initiative giving them clearer authority to conduct routine farm operations, including plowing and clearing ditches. Opponents, including some farmers, point to potential conflicts with efforts to save salmon, impacts on neighboring properties and the questionable track records of some initiative proponents on following existing regulations.

Both sides make important arguments, but we think that voters should consider the county’s vital need to preserve agriculture and say yes to county initiative 01-02. The so-called Right to Plow Initiative will make clearer that farmers have the right — and the need — to continue such activities as plowing, grading and ditch clearing without getting permits.

Farmers have justifiable frustrations with Snohomish County’s inability to say clearly what activities require permits. It took an unnecessarily extended effort to even get a statement last year that the grading codes aren’t binding on plowing. As the county knows, though, that didn’t come close to resolving all the questions that farmers face about their agricultural activities, especially near streams.

Despite its title, the initiative goes well beyond plowing. Ditch clearing, which is especially vital in areas prone to flooding, is another activity that would be exempted from permits under the initiative. Even initiative opponents concede the permit process can be slow and difficult for farmers who, unlike developers, are inexperienced in paper work. So an outright exemption makes a good deal of sense as a way to free farmers from an unnecessary burden.

As it is, many farmers feel themselves hassled with permits and regulations. It should worry the county to hear former state Sen. Cliff Bailey, a member of a leading farm family, express frustration with what he sees from officials watching over his neighbors along the Springhetti Road in the Snohomish River Valley. "They are always pestering somebody about not following a certain regulation out here," Bailey said. "It doesn’t make sense. They should be helping us, not hindering us."

The measure has some environmental protections, including an acknowledgement that farm activities remain subject to other environmental laws and permit requirements outside those for grading or drainage. And, initiative supporters point out, the county and farmers will remain subject to laws such as the Endangered Species Act.

Environmentalists say lawsuits will be inevitable if the measure passes. We don’t discount opponents’ concerns about potential abuses of the measure or that the county will face enforcement and interpretation questions. The biggest problem with the initiative may be that, like other such proposals, it isn’t black or white. But the voters have to make a black or white decision — yes or no.

If anyone steps back from the situation, it ought to be clear who contributes the most to the protection of the county’s overall environmental health. It’s the people who work the land to make a living from plants, trees and animals. Putting county law clearly on the side of farmers makes sense.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Intent of Trump’s nominees is to subvert good government

It is clear that Donald Trump has something specific in mind with… Continue reading

Comment: Real dangers loom with Trump’s incoherent trade policy

Even if Trump could settle on a justification for his tariffs, the results could leave the country far. weaker.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Comment: Trump can go only as far as the courts will allow

Most of Trump’s executive orders are likely to face court challenges, setting the limits of presidential power.

Comment: Civil service needs reform; Trump means only to gut it

It’s too difficult to hire and fire federal workers. A grand bargain is possible, but that’s not what Trump seeks.

Saunders: U.S. Iron Dome isn’t feasible now, but it could be

Trump is correct to order a plan for a system that would protect the nation from missile strikes.

Harrop: Trump has no sense of damage from tariff threats

Even if ultimately averted, a trade war with Canada and Mexico could drive both from U.S. exports.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.