Agriculture/TradeAgriculture has been the backbone of Central Washington for generations and the foundation of our economy. From wine and apples, to beef and wheat, to potatoes and asparagus – our region is known for producing world-class agricultural products.
Opening new markets and lowering unfair trade barriers is a vital part of supporting our farmers and ranchers and creating jobs in Central Washington. Additionally, farmers need the benefits of the latest science and technology, access to water, and common sense federal policies on issues ranging from pesticides to endangered species.
Creating New Trade Opportunities
With one in three Washington jobs tied to international trade, our state's economy depends on providing American farmers and businesses with equal access to foreign markets. Whether it's tree fruits to Central America, potatoes to Mexico, or beef to Japan, Congressman Hastings has consistently pressed trade negotiators for better deals for American farmers and ranchers. Hastings is a leading champion of the Market Access Program (MAP), which is aimed at opening new export markets for U.S. agriculture, and supports Trade Promotion Authority. Read more
Supporting Agriculture Research
Hastings learns about the latest research being preformed at the Agriculture Research Service center in ProsserAssisting American farmers with the research support they need to remain competitive in today’s global marketplace is critical. Each year Congressman Hastings secures federal funding for priorities at Agriculture Research Service centers and public universities to ensure that the research needs of Central Washington farmers are met. Read more
Protecting Family Farms
Congressman Hastings believes the death tax is a form of double taxation and is simply unfair. That’s why he is a cosponsor of proposals to permanently repeal the death tax so that family farms can be passed down to children and grandchildren. Read more
2008 Farm Bill
Congressman Hastings supported the 2008 Farm Bill and voted to override President Bush’s veto of the plan because it includes several long-sought Central Washington priorities and does more for locally grown specialty crops than any Farm Bill in history. Read More.
Click on the video below to watch Hastings speak on the House floor about the Farm Bill.
Specialty Crops
The Hastings’ supported Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act was approved by Congress and signed into law in 2004. This law provides for $44.5 million in federal funds for specialty crops. The grant money can be used for research and development, marketing programs and increased production technology. Read more
Emergency Payments and Bonus Buys
Congressman Hastings understands that agriculture operates in an unpredictable environment, and that even the most careful planning can be undone by bad weather or fluctuations in currency markets. That’s why he supports disaster and emergency assistance measures when they are needed. Read more
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