US Secretary of Agriculture Visits Palouse
PULLMAN, WA — United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on the Palouse Monday at the invitation of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to get a first-hand look at state of agriculture here in eastern Washington.
"Obviously with the trade concerns the amount of dependency on wheat depends on the exports and this whole area depends on exports and she wanted me to come see firsthand and talk to producers," said the Secretary.
Washington State University researchers showed Secretary Perdue how they study wheat including drought resistance.
An example of the integration of USDA Agricultural Research Service with land grant universities.
"And that's the way to get things done collaboration and the good things is I’ve' also learned about the collaboration with private sector here the wheat commission," said the Secretary.
This is an important time as the re-authorization of the Farm Bill stands before Congress.
"The house has taken action the senate has taken action part of my priority has been crop insurance and research, research that takes place at places like Washington State University that's so important to the future of agriculture," said Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
At the WSU plant facilities, the Secretary viewed new technology to help develop drought resistant wheat and synthetic wheat that the USDA helped fund.
They even made time to try some of Washington State's own creations the Cosmic Crisp Apple and Ferdinand’s ice-cream.
The secretary was also in Spokane Monday morning for a fireside chat with Agriculture and Forestry Leaders.
And in Colfax to speak with Southern Washington Producers at the McGregor company.
