Farmers should not panic and throw the cow in the face of the impending Critical Areas Ordinance under consideration by the Island County Commissioners.

Speakers at Monday’s hearing on the issue raised the specter of farmers opting to raise houses rather than crops or animals in the face of growing regulations, and the decision by the Whidbey Environmental Action Network (WEAN) to review farm plans filed with the Conservation District. Farmers consider the plans private, but government officials who decide such things opened them up for WEAN scrutiny. This perceived invasion of privacy is enough to make some farmers think about quitting.

It’s too bad WEAN remains clueless about the character of farmers: That they are proud, independent people who care for the environment, but don’t want the government or especially private environmental groups prying into their affairs. But there’s no need to give up farming.

The commissioners are on the side of the farmers and are making the ordinance as lenient as possible while keeping in mind it needs approval by the state. In addition, efforts are under way in Olympia to change the growth management law to ease up on farmers, and to make individual farm plans private. These things take time, so give time a chance.

Even if the ordinance passes, it will take many months and even years for the regulations to take effect. Island County desperately needs its farmers, and residents would appreciate it if farmers just decide to wait and see what happens. The good guys usually win in our society, but sometimes it takes a while.

Support school