In reference to the Oct. 21 Herald article, “Nursery owner at the epicenter of debate,” on the “right to plow” issue: I do not mind to be a lightning rod for the opponents of the initiative. However, the article paints a distorted picture of a successful operation.
The nursery, Flower World, encompasses almost 100 acres, of which 9 percent is covered with plastic greenhouses, which are exempt from permits under state law and Snohomish County law. Most of the nursery expansion took place before 1998, when no permits where needed for that type of work. Furthermore, we have applied for permits, but never were granted any – the common complaint from other farmers.
The aerial picture The Herald published is misleading in that it does not show the housing development next door, which once was a 30-acre pasture, or the Maltby Industrial area adjacent to the south. Neither does it explain that this acreage could have been rezoned industrial commercial in 1994, which we chose not to.
If the neighbors like industrial developments, they just have to let us know. Michael Ashley’s self-serving comment tries to imply that the nursery is adversely impacting adjacent properties. There is no basis for such claim at all. On the contrary, we have painstakingly controlled our runoff. It has become more clear than ever that non-farming interests like our farmland as long as it looks green, does not have any buildings on it, does not make any noise and does not stink. But that is as far as it goes.
When it comes to farmers, a lot smaller than us, making a viable living, they do not give a darn. The “Right to Plow” Initiative forces this county to sit around the table and work with farmers to treat agricultural activities for what they are. And as long as I am president of the Snohomish County Farm Bureau, I will represent the best interest of its farm members, which do include nurserymen as well.
Snohomish County Farm Bureau
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