WSU President Kirk Schulz and State Agriculture Director Derek Sandison led a delegation of more than a dozen agriculture leaders in Washington D.C. to meet with Congress, the Administration and national stakeholders and to celebrate Washington’s agriculture economy at the 4th annual Taste of Washington reception this week.
Leaders from WSU, WSDA, CAHNRS and CVM were joined by leadership from the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Washington Wine Commission, Washington Grains Commission, Washington Potato Commission, Northwest Horticultural Council and the Washington Conservation Commission to highlight the importance of the federal Farm Bill to Washington’s agriculture economy. Discussions focused on the impact of the investment in federal ag research in addressing critical issues facing Washington, including soil health, smoke exposed wine grapes, herbicide resistance, conservation and the importance of trade.
To top off the week, nearly 300 people, including Congressional staff, several members of Congress and other guests, attended the Taste of Washington reception highlighting Washington state’s diverse agricultural food products. Schulz, Sandison and the Washington State Department of Commerce hosted the event.
The evening showcased how public-private partnerships and the state’s land grant university are positioning Washington’s agriculture industry as an innovative powerhouse at home and abroad. Delicious Washington state products were donated through WSDA from Washington stakeholders including: Agri Beef, Curt Maberry Farm, Northwest Cherries, Washington Grains Commission, Washington Potatoes, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Auburn Dairy Products, WA Wine Institute, WA Wine Commission and Washington State University.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the latest agricultural trends, understand the need for investment in infrastructure, sample some of Washington’s finest food products and network with other industry professionals.
We look forward to continuing to celebrate Washington’s agriculture industry in the years to come!
