SPOKANE – Washington Policy Center (WPC) announced the creation of an Advisory Council on Agriculture during their quarterly board meeting which took place in Spokane this past weekend. 

The Advisory Council was announced by Pam Lewison, Director of WPC’s Center for Agriculture and is comprised of respected experts from both Eastern and Western Washington. Advisor areas of expertise include ranching, agriculture, agribusiness finance, legal issues, forestry and the dairy industry.

Advisory Council members have been asked to:

            ● Provide expertise to inform WPC studies, commentary and other published research.  Connection with a select group of recognized experts ensures WPC’s work on agricultural policy maintains the highest standard for objectivity, accuracy, and relevancy.

            ● Serve as a resource for bold innovative ideas for improving the agricultural sector of the state economy.  Advisory Council members are in tune with the latest developments and can provide advice on how sound public policy can maintain Washington’s position as a national and world leader in agricultural production.

            ● Provide guidance on regulatory reform and legislative changes that will promote the public interest and benefit farmers, ranchers and people living in rural communities across the state.

            ● Help ensure that the voices of Washingtonians living in rural areas are heard.  Too often state-level policymakers overlook the needs and concerns of rural communities.  The Agriculture Advisory Council will help WPC make sure the public debate is inclusive and that state leaders hear from a wide range of expert opinions and perspectives.

            ● Provide advice on ways to promote agricultural exports, improve ways to access overseas markets and build positive relationships with communities around the world.  Washington is one of the leading exporters of agricultural products in the country.

Media requests should be directed to Pam Lewison at plewison@washingtonpolicy.org.

WPC is Washington State’s premier independent think tank, with a focus on market-based reforms to improve state and local policies in ways that make Washington a better state to start a business and raise a family.