Washington Hires Another Trade Specialist

Responding to the changing needs of Washington's diverse food industry, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has hired a new international trade specialist in the Tri-Cities and reassigned staff in Olympia to promote agriculture and the food processing industry.

Washington's agricultural industry is particularly critical to rural communities and has helped stabilize the state's economic cycles, but faces challenges ranging from global competition to mergers and industry consolidation.

To address these challenges, the 2004 Legislature supported WSDA's request to place another trade specialist in eastern Washington, continue funding local representatives in China and Southeast Asia, and for the first time, have a staff person assigned to developing competitiveness and domestic market opportunities of Washington's food companies.

Over one-third of Washington's food industry depends upon export markets.