ADVOCACY

Regional Agribusiness Advocate

Far West is the regional voice for the agribusiness industry in the Northwest. Our legislative advocacy is central to our mission; to enhance the business environment of the Agribusiness industry in the Northwest. We advocate for our members in the capitols of Washington, Idaho and Oregon. We also engage legislative issues in Nevada and Utah, working with coalition partners. Far West is also active in multiple regional regulatory issues that are of critical interest to our members.

Experienced Team of Lobbyists

Our lobby team is strong. Each of our state based lobby teams have years of experience representing agricultural issues. They are the heart of the Far West lobby effort. In addition, Far West’s Executive Director has over 30 years of experience lobbying the legislatures and regulatory agencies of the NW. Our lobby team and their bios are listed below.

Current Legislative Issues by State

Far West sends weekly legislative reports that summarize the week’s activity in each state legislature. This is a member only service. Login to see the latest report or contact Craig Smith at 503-371-3123 to request a complimentary copy for review.

Click on a state below to see a short list of issues and bills we are working in each state.

Idaho Claims Breach of Snake River Agreement by U.S. Government and Tribe

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has notified U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Nez Perce Tribal Chairman [...]

02
Apr
EPA Issues Warning of Dacthal Risks
April 2, 2024

Today, April 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing its next steps to protect people from [...]

We Are Not Removing Dams!!!

In a Congressional hearing held last week by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Brenda Mallory, Chair [...]

15
Feb
Court Vacates Dicamba Registrations

A Federal District Court in Arizona has vacated all "Over the Top" Dicamba registrations. These products are [...]

15
Feb
The Case for Federal Preemption

In response to state attempts to hijack FIFRA labeling and registration requirements, South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson [...]

28
Aug
Farm Bill Deadline Extended Amid Possibility of Government Shutdown

House Agriculture chairman Glenn Thompson announced that he believes the lifespan of the 2018 Farm bill will [...]

18
Aug
PNWA Dam Breaching Study

The impacts of dam removal would have significant impacts on twelve Northwest counties in Washington, Idaho and [...]

16
Aug
Governor Little Holds Water Summit

Governor Brad Little held a statewide water summit on August 10. Governor Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, [...]

14
Aug

LOBBYISTS

Elizabeth Criner joined Veritas Advisors in August 2002. She is a principled, results-oriented executive with an extensive background in public policy issues and strategic planning skills.

Elizabeth has developed and implemented federal strategies for Idaho clients, ranging from navigating the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act to securing $23 million for a new air traffic control tower and Category III ILS landing system.

At the state level, Elizabeth has provided clients with successful legislative strategies in the areas of telecommunications, transportation, water, energy, taxes, and health care policy.

Elizabeth Criner

Veritas Advisors

Amanda Dalton is a lawyer-lobbyist with twenty years of legislative advocacy, public policy, and strategic planning experience.

She has built a career in Oregon based on strong bi-partisan relationships and a solid reputation for hard work, open and responsive client communication, and an eye toward Legislative strategy.

Amanda brings the seasoned experience of a legislative staffer and campaign worker coupled with nearly two decades of providing contract lobby services and in-house corporate government affairs.

Amanda Dalton

Dalton Advocacy

Nicole Mann is a veteran policy analyst and public relations professional. She brings her talent for distilling complex policies into actionable communications to the firm’s team.

Prior to joining Dalton Advocacy, Nicole worked as a Legislative Director in the Oregon House of Representatives, where she was tasked with providing quick and thorough analyses of legislative concepts being considered, with a focus on the ways and means process.

Nicole Mann

Dalton Advocacy

Buchholz and Associates Government Relations was established in late 2005 to represent agricultural, transportation, energy, business and public safety clients with interests in local, state and federal government. Ben’s firm develops creative strategies for clients to achieve desired outcomes.

Experienced Lobbyist skilled in Operating Budget, Transportation Budget, Capital Budget funding requests, Grassroots Organizing, Coalitions, Policy Analysis, Political Communication, and Legislative Relations. Strong community and social services professional graduate from Salient Point Public and Clyde Group Speaker Training.

Ben Buchholz

Buchholz & Associates