Opinion - Whatcom View

POSTED: Saturday, Jun. 27, 2009

Wise decisions for farms more important than ever

We are truly turning an important corner in Whatcom County's history.

Like in most other coastal counties, farmland has throughout our history been regarded as a "holding area" for future urban growth. We have learned from numerous examples to the south that this attitude will inevitably result in the implosion of the agriculture industry resulting in rural sprawl that everyone wants to avoid.

There are many factors that are needed to keep a vital farm economy - water, labor, community support, etc. - but it is hard to dispute that having the land to farm is one of the highest priorities..

We take the county's commitment to maintaining a farmland base very seriously. It is fundamental to the future of agriculture here. The county government has made many positive steps towards the goal of preserving at least 100,000 acres. The "purchase of development rights" program has spent over $4.1 million to protect nearly 650 acres of farmland since 2001. There is a commitment to implement additional tools for farmland protection as well.

In that context it makes no sense to needlessly subtract acres from the farmland base by allowing for conversion of quality farmland into urban areas.

Whatcom Farm Friends, as a representative of local farmers, supports a policy of no net loss of agricultural lands in Whatcom County. Simple logic indicates that when you are truly committed to protection you don't allow subtractions unless the case for conversion is so clearly apparent to the entire county that an acceptable alternative plan is developed. We see no indication that need is established here.

Recent community surveys have clearly demonstrated the community's dedication to protecting our agricultural industry. It is important that you remind County Council members, and the candidates running for council this fall, that their decisions about the size of each city's urban growth boundaries are some of the most significant decisions they will make about how county government helps or hinders the future of our farms.

We recognize that healthy cities are every bit as important as a healthy farm industry and Farm Friends is fully committed to being partners with the cities in planning for an ever improving Whatcom County. Let's make sure we make wise decisions in the upcoming months so that all our futures are bright.

Henry Bierlink is executive director of Whatcom Farm Friends.