Celebrating and Strengthening Washington’s Agricultural Legacy

District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno

By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce

Washington State is an agricultural powerhouse. From the wheat fields of Eastern Washington to the dairy farms and orchards of the Southwest, agriculture is deeply ingrained in our economy, culture, and identity.

As your State Representative for the 20th Legislative District, I am proud to support the farmers, ranchers, processors, and students who ensure our state’s agricultural legacy not only survives—but thrives.

This year’s 2025 legislative session brought both opportunities and challenges. As a member of the Washington State Legislature, I fought to ensure that agriculture remained a priority. I supported bipartisan legislation and funding that will help secure the future of farming for generations to come.

Among the notable wins was HB 1553, which extends the state’s Dairy Inspection Program through 2031. This important measure protects public health while supporting one of our most vital industries—dairy farming. I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation to ensure our local farms meet rigorous safety standards without being burdened by unnecessary bureaucracy.

I was also glad to support SB 5165, which improves livestock damage compensation for farmers in frontier counties. Our producers face increasing challenges from wildlife conflict, and this measure provides the resources and fairness they deserve. Similarly, SB 5343 helps fund local response to wolf predation in Northeast Washington and invests in non-lethal deterrents and sheriff-based mitigation strategies.

One of the most urgent concerns for our farmers this year was the impact of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) on fuel prices. While the CCA aims to reduce emissions, it dramatically increased fuel costs—especially for those working in agriculture. To address this, the Legislature passed HB 1912, a bill that would provide a fuel tax exemption for agricultural use. Farmers shouldn’t be penalized for driving tractors or drying crops—activities that are not only essential but already heavily regulated. HB 1912 is an important step, and I urge my colleagues to join me by supporting permanent exemptions and greater financial incentives for the agriculture community.

But agriculture is more than policy. It is tradition.

That’s why I continue to support and promote the Southwest Washington Fair—a cherished institution that showcases the proud heritage of agriculture in our region. In the past two years, we have successfully passed House Bill 2433 to help streamline the finances of the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, delivered over $750,000 to upgrade and renovate the 4-H barn, provided funding to develop the Tenino Agriculture Innovation Park, and partnered with Lewis County to explore and plan a new equestrian center.

Be sure to “saddle up” for the Southwest Washington Fair from August 12–17.

The future of agriculture is being built in our homes and our classrooms. Across Southwest Washington, school-based agriculture programs, such as FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H, are equipping students with the skills and leadership necessary for careers in agri-science, veterinary care, horticulture, and food production. I continue to advocate for funding and curriculum that expand hands-on learning, farm-to-school programs, and ag education in both rural and urban districts. I will continue to support these programs and their positive impact.

As we look ahead, Washington’s agriculture must remain strong, sustainable, and family-centered. That means fighting for water access, transportation infrastructure, tax fairness, and protecting farmland from overregulation and sprawl.

To the farmers, students, families, and businesses who make agriculture a way of life in Southwest Washington: thank you. You are the backbone of our state’s economy and the heart of our communities. I will continue working every day in Olympia to ensure your voice is heard and your contributions are honored.

Let’s keep our boots on the ground and our eyes on the future—because the strength of Washington begins in our fields, barns, orchards, and schools.

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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus Chair.