Fuel costs, farming topics of government sessions

Public, farmers are encouraged to attend meetings

RITZVILLE — Several meetings this weekend in both Pasco and Ritzville will focus on issues deemed very important to wheat growers.

Four legislative committees are holding a joint work session and public hearing at the Columbia Basin College Theater in Pasco Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session will discuss the economic impacts of energy prices upon agriculture, possible solutions and targeted relief.

Rep. Cathy McMorris, R- Wash., will host Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ritzville American Legion, located at 538 W. Broadway. That meeting will discuss some of the challenges that the agriculture community faces, McMorris said in an e-mail announcing the forum.

"I think the legislative committees are interested in hearing from farmers ideas and solutions to help relieve stress," said Gretchen Borck, director of issues for the Washington Association of Wheat Growers of the meeting in Pasco. "The price of gas has been phenomenal, and what can we do to help change that? Fertilizer prices have taken off. It's amazing how much they have increased over the last couple months. They were already on the rise, but I think the two hurricanes didn't help at all."

Fertilizer prices have been

impacted because fertilizer is made from natural gas, Borck explained.

The ripple effect of impact goes from farmers to processors to related businesses, like truckers to haul the product, she said.

"I really hope that farmers come to the meeting and explain what's happening to their business, because it's really reflective of all businesses," she said, adding that she encourages the general public to attend and hear what's happening. "Maybe somebody has an idea that will percolate up into a bill that state legislators can release to the general public … It's well worth the time to come, visit with legislators and say their piece."

Of the Goodlatte session, Borck said a lot of topics are up for discussion, including the cost of fuel, the farm bill, modernization of the Endangered Species Act, research and the cutting of funds because of the cost of hurricane relief, which she says is having an impact nation-wide.

Borck also encourages farmers and members of the public to attend.

"It's their elected officials waiting to hear from them," she said. "It's government at its best. Come out and talk to them. Don't stay at home and complain. This is their opportunity to have an impact on government issues."