From helping growers manage increasingly unpredictable weather to developing new tools for detecting crop diseases, Washington State University research is addressing some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today.
Those impacts were front and center as WSU President Betsy Cantwell, Provost Chris Riley-Tillman, Vice President for Research Kim Christen, and CAHNRS Dean Raj Khosla joined agricultural leaders from across Washington state for a fly-in visit to Washington, D.C. The group met with federal agency officials and members of Washington’s congressional delegation to highlight the importance of continued investment in agricultural research.
Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison joined the delegation, along with representatives from Washington’s tree fruit, potato, grain, wine, and livestock industries, reflecting the strong partnership between WSU, WSDA, and the producers who rely on research-driven solutions to remain competitive.
The team met with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials to discuss research initiatives that help producers adopt new technologies, respond to emerging challenges, and make informed decisions.
Members of the delegation also talked about current initiatives to prevent disease in crops and cattle, such as studies on invasive pests, plant health, and diagnostic tools that help farmers react faster to issues.
Meetings with members of Washington’s congressional delegation focused on the role of federal research investments in driving innovation and economic opportunity in rural communities. Participants shared examples of how university research is translated into practical tools, resources, and information that support producers across the state.