WA. Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) Congratulates Congressman Reichert Export Council Appointment

    RITZVILLE, WA, February 15, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Washington Association of Wheat Growers applauds the appointment last week of Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) to the President's Export Council. The Washington state wheat industry exports approximately 90 percent of its product to overseas markets, and effective trade agreements are essential in maintaining and expanding wheat markets.

"Rep. Reichert has been a stalwart supporter of trade in Washington State," said Ben Adams, president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and a farmer from Douglas County. "Maintaining access to overseas markets is vital in our industry."

"We have had a good working relationship with Rep. Reichert, and we look forward to continue collaborating with him specifically on important trade issues. We want to congratulate him on this exciting opportunity," said Michelle Hennings WAWG Executive Director.

The President's Export Council is the nation's principal advisory committee on international trade. Rep. Reichert also serves as chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. He previously served as a member of the export council under the Obama Administration.

Some facts about the Washington state wheat industry:

- The Washington wheat industry contributed $600 million in production value to the state's economy in 2015.

- Agriculture is the state's second-largest export category of products shipped through Washington ports.

- The wheat industry creates a trade surplus for our state and offers the most dependable, high quality grain around the world.

About WAWG: Education and outreach are the heart of Washington Association of Wheat Growers activity, all of which is aimed at helping Washington wheat families. Since 1954, WAWG has been dedicated to the enrichment of the Washington wheat industry as a nonprofit trade association, which depends on volunteers, membership dues and donations to carry out activities as representatives on the state and national levels. WAWG monitors state, transportation, research and natural resources policy and partners with the National Association of Wheat Growers to monitor national farm policy. Visit wawg.org for more information.

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