OLYMPIA…The Washington Association of Agricultural Educators gave state Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, its 2004-05 Legislator of the Year award at its annual banquet and conference on July 8 in Yakima.   

Ron Nash, the vocational director at Zillah High School and the retiring president of the WAAE, presented Honeyford with the award. 

“Jim over the years has listened to our concerns and has taken a strong interest in agricultural education,” Nash said, adding that Honeyford has been a strong supporter of Future Farmers of America for several years. 

“Agriculture is a key part of the Yakima Valley’s economy and way of life, and it continues to be a major industry in our state economy, so it’s important to have strong agricultural education programs in both our region and other rural areas in Washington,” Honeyford said.  

“As a fruit grower and former educator, I appreciate the role that agricultural education plays in farming. Thanks to ag education at the K-12 and higher education levels, Washington can continue to be an innovative leader in many agricultural areas nationally and globally,” Honeyford added.          

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 For more information contact Tami Davis, at (360) 786-7519 or via e-mail at davis.tami@leg.wa.gov