TRADE MISSION NOTES:

Exporting Washington�s harvest to the world

Photo of Dan Newhouse. Dan Newhouse, Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture

09/10/10

As a farmer, I’ve worked to improve access for our farm products in foreign markets long before I joined WSDA. Washington growers are leading producers and exporters of apples, cherries, potatoes, wheat and dozens of other commodities. Without export markets, farmers would experience a dramatic decline in prices for their goods.

Asia will be the driver of future growth in food exports. Our farmers and food processors already export more than $400 million in products to China, Hong Kong and Vietnam each year, mostly fruit, dairy products, French fries, seafood, beef and wheat.

Export opportunities to these countries have been growing rapidly, even in the face of the global economic slowdown. China, with its annual economic growth rate of 9 percent and its developing middle class, is an excellent market for Washington food exporters. Vietnam just opened the door to fresh Washington potatoes and has the potential to be a profitable destination for our cherries.

Government-led trade missions play a unique role in developing trade, especially in Asia. Even with their enormous market potential, the Chinese and Vietnamese economies are heavily influenced by their central governments. A government-led delegation from Washington may launch new relationships that would otherwise be closed to private-sector companies acting independently.

Our primary goal on the mission is to grow jobs here at home and boost our state's economy. One in three jobs in Washington is tied to trade, either directly or indirectly. By developing trading opportunities overseas, we’ll spur new sales for farmers and food businesses here at home.