Farm groups oppose Initiative 1

In an unprecedented show of solidarity Friday, Utah's five largest farming organizations voiced their united opposition against an open space initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot.

In a move to "set the record straight," Utah Farm Bureau CEO Randy Parker said the five groups — the Utah Farm Bureau, Utah Wool Growers Association, Utah Cattlemen's Association, Utah Dairymen's Association and the Utah Farmers Union — came together against Initiative 1 mainly because it short-circuits the legislative process.

"What's going on with this initiative is exactly what's wrong with the referendum process," Parker said. "It doesn't allow for debate; it only allows one group to use as much money as they can to promote their viewpoint."

Initiative 1 would pay to preserve open space, clean water and air, build parks and construct government buildings with a $150 million bond funded by a .05-cent sales tax increase. The initiative, according to sponsor Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth, would cost the average Utah family about $14 more a year.

But Monte Weston, president of the Utah Cattlemen's Association, said Utah farmers are the ones who will really pay for the initiative, even though the initiative's sponsor group says many farmers support the ballot item. Using state funds to purchase land will pit farmers against deep government pockets, he said.

"If tax dollars are going to compete against these young farmers and ranchers, it's pretty much unfair competition for them," he said.

Clark Willis, past president of the Wool Growers Association, said many farmers were in favor of the petition until they read the details of the $150 million bond, particularly a section that allows up to $30 million to be used for buildings.

"The initiative has more platitudes than results planned for the state of Utah," he said. "Until you get into the nitty-gritty, you don't realize this isn't good for agriculture or the state of Utah."

Together, Parker said the five groups represent about 98 percent of farmers and ranchers throughout the state. All of the organizations decided to take a stance against the initiative after receiving member responses and a final vote by a board of directors.

But Jon Meikle, a Farm Bureau member and Cache County rancher, said the groups did not speak for him or many other farmers in his area. Although Meikle said the initiative is not perfect, it is critical to preserving open space for future farming.