This election season, voters are being asked to weigh in on three ballot questions that are important to agriculture.

We should all be pleased that agriculture has received so much attention lately. But with all the new laws, ads, articles and protests, making an informed choice can be a daunting and confusing task.

I’ll attempt to simplify things.

Listen to the farmers. No one better understands the challenges facing agriculture better than they. The Hawaii Farm Bureau is the largest agriculture advocacy organization of its kind in the state of Hawaii. Our more than 2,000 members produce crops year in and year out — some growers are new, some over generations.

Among these local crops are vegetables, nuts, coffee, tea, orchard crops, fruit, meat, dairy, livestock, flowers, fish, sugar, seeds, herbs, spices and nursery crops. They produce crops both organically and conventionally, some using aquaculture, hydroponics and aquaponics, some using safe and judicious use of approved chemicals.

Farmers and ranchers are the ones who must successfully manage a complex interaction of resources such as land, labor, water, soil, floods, drought, climate, weather, genetics, insects, disease, invasive pests and weeds, theft and vandalism, transportation, markets and regulations.

These resources are managed in real time with an eye on the future, encouraging the next generation of food, fiber, fuel and flower producers to consider careers in agriculture.

Our legislative initiatives are based on a proven grassroots process, creating measures that start with farmers and ranchers. They were thoroughly vetted and refined in a process that includes elected leaders and the public.

Simply put, we stand in support of all agriculture, and we respectfully ask you to stand with us.

» On the Constitutional Amendment No. 2, relating to agricultural enterprises: Vote yes.

This measure would make low-cost financing available to agricultural operations without burdening taxpayers. It would foster growth in the agricultural sector, improving food security and self-sufficiency, creating jobs and strengthening our local economy.

» On the Constitutional Amendment No. 5, relating to dams and reservoirs: Vote yes.

Dams and reservoirs are critical infrastructure for agriculture and surrounding communities, serving as a buffer against drought. Investing in them enhances safety and stabilizes production. They help the environment by supporting healthy watersheds and reducing soil erosion and sediment loading on ocean reefs. This measure is also budget-neutral, having no adverse effect on taxpayers.

» On Maui, on the voter initiative about genetically engineered organisms: Vote no.

This measure is problematic in many ways.

First, it’s extraordinarily ill-conceived. The nearly incomprehensible language reflects that.

Second, it makes assumptions that are not supported by facts while ignoring the countless studies already performed.

Third, it’s misguided in that the moratorium does not clearly address pesticide use in any way, conflicting with core arguments made by its introducers.

Fourth, enforcement is near impossible.

I could go on.

Have we reached a point where we think it’s a good idea to fine or jail farmers for responsibly growing legal crops? Do we want a world where plant-police stomp through our yards and fields to bust us for what’s legally growing there? Let’s hope not.