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Spokane County highlights $200 million annual agriculture value and pushes to protect resource lands
Summary
County planners emphasized preserving agricultural, forestry and mining lands as irreplaceable economic foundations, noting agricultural output estimates of about $200 million annually and roughly 1,600 workers.
Scott Chesney said resource lands are a central focus of the comprehensive plan because, unlike many other land uses, once converted they rarely return to agriculture or forestry. He cited older census estimates to quantify the sector: "This is from, the census information... $200,000,000 in general in value, on an annual basis. Employs 1,600 people," Chesney said.
Chesney said the plan includes protections and zoning tools for large‑tract agricultural areas and highlighted small‑tract ag in areas such as Greenbluff that support agritourism. He noted the plan's vision and value statements were revised with rural community input — including Farm Bureau members — to better reflect agricultural priorities.
