Cantwell Tours NCW Cherry Facility

Washington Senator Maria Cantwell toured a cherry packaging facility in Wenatchee earlier this week, to get a first hand look at the workers and families that will be impacted by tariffs implemented by China starting Friday.  Cantwell says it’s eye-opening to see how many in North Central Washington will be negatively impacted by trade decisions made in D.C.

"Thousands of families and an entire valley is dependent upon the tree fruit sector and that narrow window of production on cherries or apples or even pears with all of these changes really being impacted.”

Cantwell said it’s not just a concern for this year's harvest, but the potential of lost contracts into the future.  She said from here, when will take what she’s learned to the Administration to help Northwest producers get into markets they’ve worked so hard to open and establish.  Cantwell also said Congress should get the 2018 Farm Bill ironed out now.

“Ag is such an important sector of our economy is should be done, if we’re going to stay here for July and August, might as well do it right now.”

The Farm Bill proposals from both the House and Senate are currently awaiting conference committee.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com