Tag Archives: agriculture

Turf rules: governor signs Boehnke’s bill, planting seeds of fairness for local ag

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, and staff, and Gov. Bob Ferguson/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Today the governor signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matt Boehnke to strengthen and safeguard Washington’s turf-seed industry. The agriculture bill lays the groundwork for a more transparent and reliable turf-seed market by promoting contract integrity, protecting producers and buyers, and providing swift resolution for disputes.

The new law authorizes the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to establish rules requiring seed dealers to provide financial assurances for turf-seed production and purchase contracts. It also empowers WSDA to offer mediation services to help resolve conflicts before they escalate into costly legal battles.

“This is a major step forward for fairness, accountability, and trust in the turf-seed industry,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “By requiring financial backing for contracts and creating a path for dispute resolution, this new law protects our producers, landscapers, and anyone who relies on turf seed to get the job done. It’s a smart policy which is an example of how we can and should strengthen Washington’s agricultural economy from the ground up.”

Turf-seed production is vital in Washington’s ag sector, supplying seed for everything from sports fields to public parks to residential lawns. The law created by SB 5074 is designed to reduce risk, encourage fair business practices, and build confidence among buyers and sellers alike.

“This will ensure that contracts are honored and disputes are resolved fairly,” Boehnke added. “It’s about protecting livelihoods and promoting a healthy, predictable marketplace—one rural Washington can count on.”

The bill was signed on the 100th day of the 105-day legislative session and will become law in July 27, 2025. The legislative session began January 13 and is scheduled to end April 27.

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Sowing stability: Boehnke’s turf-seed bill nears finish line

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke to support Washington’s turf-seed industry has passed both chambers of the Legislature and now heads to the governor’s desk for final consideration.

Senate Bill 5074 would establish updated regulations for selling and distributing turf seed grass, providing greater contract security, promoting fair business practices, and authorizing mediation services through the Washington State Department of Agriculture to help resolve disputes efficiently.

Boehnke, R-Kennewick, issued this statement following the Senate’s unanimous vote:

“This bill is about creating fairness, transparency, and accountability in Washington’s turf seed industry. By requiring financial assurances from seed dealers, we’re helping to protect producers and buyers from contract failures that can lead to serious financial setbacks.”

“One of the key features of this bill is that it authorizes the Washington State Department of Agriculture to offer mediation services. Agricultural disputes can be costly and time-consuming, giving farmers and businesses a cost-effective, efficient way to resolve contract issues without going to court.”

“While turf seed may not be as widely recognized as other crops like wheat or grapes, it’s a vital part of our agricultural sector. This legislation helps ensure a more stable, predictable environment for everyone involved in the industry, supporting its long-term health and competitiveness.”

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

Boehnke pro-agriculture bill wins full support from House committee

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… The greenest of the pro-agriculture legislation introduced by Sen. Matt Boehnke at the Capitol this year, which has to do with Washington’s turf-seed industry, has moved another step forward in the state Legislature.

Senate Bill 5074 is aimed at updating regulations about the sale and distribution of turf-seed grass. It easily cleared the Senate on a 49-0 vote March 3 and was just endorsed unanimously by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

“This bill is about ensuring fairness and security for everyone involved in the turf-seed industry,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick.

“Right now, if a contract falls through, farmers and businesses may face significant financial hardship. The safeguards advocated in this bill should make for a more predictable and trustworthy marketplace.”

The proposal is similar to one in Oregon and would help Washington’s turf-seed industry to compete. A key feature of the bipartisan bill is the authorization of mediation services through the state Department of Agriculture, as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to litigation.

“Disputes in agriculture can be costly and time-consuming. With the state ag department offering mediation, businesses and farmers will have a practical way to resolve conflicts fairly and efficiently.

“Although the turf-seed industry may not be as visible as wheat or wine grapes, it’s an important part of our agricultural sector, which in turn is so vital to our state’s economy. This bill is about supporting its long-term success,” Boehnke said.

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.