Latest news with #Schmick
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Odessa groundwater project secures nearly $45 million in infrastructure funding
May 30—Eastern Washington farmers are set to gain a more reliable water source, thanks to a $45 million state investment in a major irrigation project. The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project has secured nearly $45 million in the state capital budget to address declining aquifer levels and support agricultural sustainability in Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties. The project will take 36 deep wells offline and deliver surface water from the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District's East Low Canal to more than 17,000 acres of farmland in the Columbia Basin. The project is also supported by $40 million in matching funds from local growers. Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, said the current water solution is unreliable for local farmers and growers. This advancement, he said, will give them more opportunity in crop growth. "If the water table drops while you're having a crop in the field, your pump may run dry," Schmick said, who's been involved in the project since 2007. "You don't know from week to week whether the water is going to be beyond the reach of your wealth. If it drops below the end of the pipe, so to speak, you're not going to get any water." Schmick further explained this will boost food production and bring food security across the state. "You can go from a low-value crop, such as wheat, and you're now able to produce high-value crops, like potatoes, beans and other crops that are considerably more valuable, and when there's more value, oftentimes it brings along more jobs, more opportunities," he said. Echoing Schmick on the current water situation, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, noted that by midsummer, some wells begin to pump sand because of groundwater depletion. Having a reliable water supply not only supports agricultural growth and stability, but keeps local residents in the area long term. "We have to build communities here, and it's all built around the water," Dent said. "You have families, children and grandchildren. It's all tied together; it's all tied to the water," he said. "Without the water, it all changes."
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Expert says one major factor is driving higher grocery prices: 'It's only going to get worse'
If you've noticed grocery prices are on the rise, you're not alone. The Berkshire Eagle's Bill Schmick pointed out the main factor behind your food shop becoming more expensive. Schmick shared U.S. Department of Labor data that revealed food prices grew 1.8% year over year in 2024, representing the fastest growth in over a year. In November, prices grew by 0.4%, while December brought another 0.4% rise. It's predicted January will record further hikes. While some might point to government administrations or corporate greed for food bills having an increasing impact on personal finances, Schmick said something else is to blame. "Climate change is the main engine behind these price increases, and it is only going to get worse," he wrote. Schmick noted that floods, drought, and disease are leading to declines in pork, chicken, and beef production, and he cited the U.S. Department of Agriculture's estimate that prices are only set to increase for these products. Meanwhile, rising cases of avian flu — which is more easily spread as changing weather conditions alter migration patterns — are leading to a shortage of eggs, with Schmick observing a 37% increase in January prices compared to the same month in 2024. Rising global temperatures are making extreme weather conditions like drought, floods, wildfires, and snow storms more intense and long-lasting. This is decimating a range of crops — from cocoa to sugar and coffee to grains — which decreases yields and pushes prices up. Ultimately, lower supplies of supermarket staples push prices up for consumers. Not only that, but the income of farmers who work hard to grow, cultivate, and rear various food items is also being hit hard by reduced yields and livestock diseases. As Schmick wrote, "This translates into climbing prices for cereal, candy, ice cream, milk and hundreds of other products." What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Unfortunately, Schmick noted a general apathy among his peers when discussing the rising prices. "It's climate change, what can you do," he has found more acquaintances saying. But we can still make a difference. Reducing the production of planet-warming pollution is our best bet at slowing the rate of rising global temperatures that are pushing checkout prices higher. Even small steps, like unplugging electrical items at night or washing clothes on a colder cycle can help. Installing solar panels or switching from a gas-guzzling car to an electric vehicle are bigger steps if you want to take things to another level. In the meantime, though, you can lower shopping bills by using apps like Too Good to Go and Flashfood. These platforms connect you with food that would otherwise be thrown out from restaurants or supermarket chains at a fraction of the usual cost. Otherwise, growing your own food can bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the table without the grocery store price tag. Making your food last longer and keeping leftovers to eat the next day can also make your money stretch further. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
