State senator Kevin Van De Wege (D-24, Port Angeles) was selected one of two recipients of the the Washington Farm Bureau’s 2024 Legislator of the Year award.

In early May, WFB members selected a state senator and a state representative — this year, Republican Rep. Mary Dye — to receive their 2024 Legislator of the Year awards.

The awards, WFB representatives said, recognize legislators who led efforts during the previous legislative session on at least one issue of great importance to agriculture. In addition to serving as the “go to” individual for legislative work on particular issues, legislators must have received special recognition during the session for their work.

Van De Wege, formerly of Sequim, represents the 24th District, which includes Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor counties. He serves as the Chair of the Senate

Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee. In that role, Van De Wege “provided WFB a platform to discuss pressing concerns, including agriculture overtime and exempt fuels,” bureau representatives said.

“He championed an amendment to remove the dredge and fill proviso from the supplemental operating budget. Additionally, he sponsored amendments to enhance data collection standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability for the agriculture industry.”

Van De Wege’s collaboration with WFB also extended to addressing unemployment insurance benefits and deer and elk damage programs, underscoring his commitment to collaborative policy-making in support of agriculture, representatives noted.

Washington Farm Bureau is a voluntary, grassroots advocacy organization representing the interests of farm and ranch families locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. For more information about the Washington Farm Bureau, visit wsfb.com.