Washington’s Export Puzzle

In Washington, farmers produce far more food than our state — and even our country — could eat. For example, nearly 70% of potatoes are exported worldwide each year in the form of frozen french fries, as well as 30% of apples and 25% of cherries. And this means farmers have to figure out ways to not only grow, package, and ship their crops, but also how to export them across the world.

This is where the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has stepped in to help. Its International Marketing Program provides support, training, and guidance to help agricultural companies learn how to successfully export their products.

“Buying local is really important, and we definitely support that at the Department of Agriculture,” said Rianne Ham, program manager for the International Marketing Program. “But we also realize and recognize that exports are also critical to Washington’s economy.

We figure about 30% of our agricultural products are exported.”

The program also helps match sellers and buyers and works to expand markets where there may be barriers. In addition to its in-state staff, the WSDA also employs overseas representatives in various countries including Japan, Vietnam, and Mexico.

Marco Albarran, the in-country representative for Mexico and Central America, has a rich history with Washington state.

“Washington State is very personal to me because I was an exchange student in Eastern Washington as a kid, so that’s how I got to learn English,” Albarran said. “And that’s how I’ve been going back and forth between Mexico and Washington for more than 35 years.”

As an in-country representative, Albarran helps make sure that Washington products are successfully sold in Mexico. In addition to providing information on market trends in the country, he also introduces buyers and importers, helps with tariff restrictions and other export headaches, and shows growers around when they visit the country. He wants to make sure Washington farmers know they’re appreciated in Mexico.

“I know there are lots of people in Washington state that grow these products that are very fond of Mexico or even have their origins in Mexico,” he said. “So to them, thank you, because you’re doing a great job, and we’re taking good care of your products here, too.”

Francis Lee is the WSDA’s Vietnam representative based in Ho Chi Minh City. He says he loves Vietnam because he came there when the country had nothing, and he is excited to see its growth and Vietnamese consumers’ increasing enthusiasm for high-quality foods like those grown in Washington.

“Every time I go back to Washington state,” Lee said, “I always tell all the companies, all the growers, ‘Come and see for yourself how dynamic this market is.’”

Ham said it’s crucial that Washington is able to help other countries who don’t have the food security that we have in the U.S.

“We’re feeding the world in the United States, and in Washington state,” she said.