There is hereby established the Whatcom County agricultural advisory committee (AAC).
(Ord. 2001-036; Ord. 2024-008 § 1 (Exh. A))
The agricultural advisory committee provides review and recommendations to the Whatcom County council on issues that affect agriculture in Whatcom County. The AAC also provides a forum for farmers and others interested in enhancing and promoting the long-term viability of Whatcom County agriculture.
(Ord. 2001-036; Ord. 2024-008 § 1 (Exh. A))
To report directly to the county council or other appropriate advisory boards, commissions, and committees as necessary to carry out the following functions:
A.
Review and provide recommendations on zoning, comprehensive plan, subarea plans, regulations, annexation issues, and land use proposals that directly affect lands or agricultural activities in or adjacent to the Agriculture district, the Agriculture Protection Overlay district, or other lands of agricultural significance; and
B.
Assist the county and make recommendations in the effort to establish, promote, and implement a comprehensive agricultural protection/preservation program; and
C.
Analyze and develop recommendations that will assist the county in addressing other issues that affect agriculture at the county, regional, state, and federal levels; and
D.
Upon request of the director of planning and development services, assist that department by providing review and comment on comprehensive planning and zoning related issues in or adjacent to the Agriculture district or the Agriculture Protection Overlay district, or other lands of agricultural significance.
(Ord. 2001-036; Ord. 2009-002, Exh. A; Ord. 2024-008 § 1 (Exh. A))
A.
The committee shall consist of no more than 13 voting members, consisting of one member from the Whatcom Conservation District board, one representative from Whatcom Family Farmers, one representative from the agricultural processing industry, one member representing consumers of agricultural products, and one member with expertise in agricultural programs. The remaining eight voting positions are to include agricultural producers representing both large- and small-scale producers of the various agricultural commodities produced in Whatcom County. A quorum shall consist of at least half of the appointed voting members.
In addition to the voting members, a representative of Washington State University Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Whatcom Conservation District staff, and agriculturally involved youth (such as Future Farmers of America) may serve on the committee in an ex officio capacity.
B.
The county executive will appoint the voting committee members with final confirmation by the county council. Appointed member terms will be four years.
(Ord. 2001-036; Ord. 2009-002, Exh. A; Ord. 2016-016 Exh. A; Ord. 2024-008 § 1 (Exh. A))
Meetings of the committee shall be open and accessible to the public and shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act. The committee shall determine its own meeting schedule, but shall meet at least four times per year. At every meeting, the committee will schedule an open session to take public comment on agricultural issues. Written records of meetings, resolutions, findings, and recommendations shall be kept, and such records shall be public. The committee shall adopt its own rules and procedures for conducting business. The committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members who shall preside at its meetings.
(Ord. 2001-036; Ord. 2009-002, Exh. A; Ord. 2024-008 § 1 (Exh. A))
The Whatcom County department of planning and development services shall provide staffing for the committee. The committee is authorized to request from the executive's office information from administrative departments as necessary.
(Ord. 2001-036; Ord. 2024-008 § 1 (Exh. A))