Washington Friends of Farms & Forests was formed in January 1988, to promote pesticide stewardship including the safe and appropriate use of pesticides in forests, on farms, ranches and along rights-of-way. At that time, the focus of Friends was to fill the void that existed in Washington regarding the balancing of news stories about pesticide use and the need to have oversight of statewide issues affecting pesticide users. Prior to the formation of Friends, there had been a loosely organized group called the Washington Pest Management Council.

The first Executive Director was Duncan Wurm. Under his direction, Friends took the lead developing strategies to manage high profile pesticide issues.

Founding Officers were:

President – Keith Simmons, Simpson Timber Company, Shelton;

Vice President – Ed Walter, Washington Tree Service, Seattle;

Secretary/Treasurer – Steve Anderson, Weyerhaeuser Company, Snoqualmie;

Board member – Chris Shaffer, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Walla Walla.

In 1989, three board members were added:

Ann George, Hop Growers of Washington, Yakima;

Marc Fisher, Washington Christmas Tree Growers, Morton; and

Earl Talley, Fieldman for Peshastin Fruit Growers, Wenatchee.

In 1994, the Washington Agri-Business Coalition merged with Friends. With the merger, Friends gained lobbyists and a more powerful voice with policymakers. The board was expanded to fifteen positions and three non-voting advisory positions representing the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Health, and Washington State University.

In 1996, Heather Hansen succeeded Duncan Wurm as Executive Director. Under Heather’s leadership, membership has grown to include a mix of producers and agricultural organizations, timber companies, aerial applicators, lawn and tree care companies, structural pest control companies, golf course superintendents, dealers and registrants. Activities focus on legislative, regulatory, legal and media issues relating to responsible pest management, plant health, and environmental regulation.