AS debate over federal immigration policy and enforcement has taken center-stage in Washington, D.C., it is worth remembering the potential impacts of these decisions on our state’s economy and particularly on the economy of rural Washington.
Agriculture remains a vital and growing sector of our state’s economy. Agriculture and food processing annually is a $51 billion industry, supporting 160,000 jobs and generating $15 billion in exports. Beyond providing safe and healthy food for Washingtonians, agriculture is an industry that provides stability to our economy during times of turmoil and recession and that sustains rural communities that have not benefited from boom times in other industries. However, these benefits should not be taken for granted.
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