Washington's Food and Ag Businesses Expand Globally with WSDA's Support

Wheel Line Cider's Success in Exporting to South Korea Highlights the Impact of WSDA's International Marketing Program

When Washington-based food producers want to branch out and export their products outside the U.S., they may hesitate. Export laws and regulations are notoriously challenging to navigate, and it can be tough to know what to do without guidance. That’s where Washington State Department of Agriculture’s International Marketing Program comes in.

International Marketing supports the health and viability of Washington's food and agricultural businesses. Their efforts include facilitating buyer-seller connections, delivering resources, and continually advocating for global market access for Washington’s products and food producers. The International Marketing Program knows how to help companies navigate the complexities of international trade and has proven to be a critical collaborator for many.

 

International Marketing offers a support team to help Washington food producers navigate export requirements

One of the key players in this program is Julie Johnson, the Export Development and Outreach Specialist in Olympia. Johnson works tirelessly to assist companies with the resources they need to become export-ready. Additionally, trade specialists in Seattle, Othello, and Kennewick directly assist individual companies and conduct trade activities. It's a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of export development.

 

But the support doesn't stop there. WSDA also has in-market representatives covering several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Mexico, and Central America. These representatives are experts in assisting with exporting and marketing food and agricultural products to their respective markets free of charge to Washington companies. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable to Washington businesses.

 

Wheel Line Cider expands to South Korea

A shining example of the success that can be achieved through this program is Wheel Line Cider in Ellensburg. This year, they exported their first products to South Korea. But this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the team at Wheel Line Cider, as well as the support they received from WSDA and other partners.

 

“I truly owe my success in breaking into the export market to our state partners,” says Susie Jensen, the owner of Wheel Line Cider.  “Their support and encouragement has helped my first export shipment come to fruition."

 

Jensen also highlighted the importance of the opportunities provided by this program, especially for small businesses. "It is a wonderful opportunity for small businesses who don’t think they have what it takes, to build confidence and go after opportunities that otherwise seem unreachable,” she says. One of the most important outcomes achieved by WSDA’s International Marketing Program is the way they’ve leveled the playing field, empowering small businesses to explore new markets that would otherwise be out of reach.

 

In addition to WSDA, Wheel Line Cider collaborated with the Western United States Agriculture Trade Association (WUSATA) and the Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC). These partnerships have been instrumental in facilitating relationship building between Wheel Line Cider and potential export clients. It also demonstrates the power of collaboration and shows how different organizations can work together to support local businesses.

 

Making a difference for Washington food producers and businesses

WSDA's International Marketing Program is a game-changer for Washington's food and agricultural businesses. By providing assistance, resources, and market access, they are helping companies like Wheel Line Cider succeed in the global market. With the continued support of WSDA and its partners, Washington businesses will have the opportunity to thrive in the international arena.

In summary: International Marketing supports the health and viability of Washington's food and agricultural businesses. Their efforts include facilitating buyer-seller connections, delivering resources, and continually advocating for global market access for Washington’s products and food producers.

Pesticide management division hosts all-staff meeting

In September, the entire Pesticide management division gathered in person for the first all-staff meeting, since 2017.

When it was time to recognize the teams: Kelly McLain, Director’s Office Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison read aloud from a framed poster announcing the division’s “Mission Driven Award” selected by WSDA Director Derek Sandison.

The Mission Driven Award recognizes employees and teams who demonstrate Washington State Department of Agriculture’s mission by providing exemplary service, supporting Washington’s agricultural industry, protecting consumers, the public and the environment through action, advocacy and striving for continuous improvement.

From the award:

When the nation shut down due to the pandemic, essential businesses still needed pesticide applicators to help continue running and feeding Washingtonians. Those applicators needed to be certified and licensed to do their jobs.

The Pesticide Management Division Licensing and Recertification Program (PMD) team provided necessary licenses and certifications while ensuring the health and safety of those involved. Everyone had a challenging time navigating how to do their jobs through the added hurdle of a global pandemic. The team rented large facilities to ensure physical distancing and minimized confrontation with those who did not want to follow health and safety requirements. Despite the pandemic, the team provided the same level of service and administered around 10,000 exams per year at multiple locations in the state, numbers that nearly reached pre-pandemic levels.

Many states had to shut down or cancel many of their pesticide licensing venues and events for the first year or more of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Stay Home – Stay Healthy” guidelines required WSDA to rent large banquet halls to accommodate physical distancing and included decreasing exam session size, instituting face covering requirements, additional cleaning and disinfection of the facility’s tables and chairs, special exam and materials handling and storage, and contact monitoring and notification for all staff and testers. This allowed WSDA to maintain the same level of service to stakeholders while still protecting test takers and staff from the spread of COVID-19.

Licensing staff also navigated how to communicate professionally and respectfully with those who did not want to follow all of the requirements, resulting in occasional confrontations that increased the stress on WSDA staff who were required to follow and enforce the requirements. The team and on-site supervisors worked at with diffusing these confrontations.

This team led the charge and set the example for WSDA on how to set up and safely conduct the first indoor in-person events. This is an extraordinary accomplishment by the PMD team reflects dedication and commitment to service, an effort we recognize and commend.   

 In summary: The Pesticide Management Division Licensing and Recertification Program (PMD) team provided necessary licenses and certifications while ensuring the health and safety of those involved.

Opportunity for you: Seeking Grant Reviewers for Regional Markets Grants

Regional Markets is recruiting grant application reviewers. 

There are two opportunities.

1. Farm to School Purchasing Grant

 The WSDA Farm to School program is seeking grant application reviewers to help award Farm to School Purchasing Grants. These grant funds are available to school districts and childcare programs for the purchase and use of Washington-grown foods.

Timeline for Review:

• Reviewer Orientation Call: Tuesday, September 26th from 3-4PM
• Review Period: Monday, October 2nd – Monday, October 9th
• Reviewer Debrief Calls: Wednesday, October 11th- Tuesday, October 17th

 The time commitment for a reviewer is an estimated 10-15 hours or less; however the actual time commitment will vary depending on the number of reviewers and applications received.

 If you are interested in helping to review grant applications and have permission from your supervisor, please fill out this short Reviewer Intake Form by Tuesday, September 19^th or contact the Purchasing Grant Specialist, Claire Finnerty at farmtoschool@agr.wa.gov.  

2. Local Food System Infrastructure Grant

Regional Markets is also seeking grant application reviewers to help award Local Food System Infrastructure Grants. These grants support local food supply chains and market access for farms, ranches, food processors, and food distributors.

Timeline for Review:

• Reviewer Orientation Call: Thursday, October 26th from 4-5PM
• Review Period: November 16th – December 15th, with potential for some follow-up in January.
• Reviewer Debrief Calls: Monday December 11th to Friday, December 15th.

The time commitment for a reviewer is an estimated 20-25 hours; however the actual time commitment will vary depending on the number of reviewers and applications received.

If you are interested in helping to review grant applications and have permission from your supervisor, please fill out this short Reviewer Intake Form by Tuesday, September 19^th or contact the Grant Manager, Galen Van Horn, at galen.vanhorn@agr.wa.gov.

In summary: Regional Markets is looking for grant application reviewers. There are two opportunities.

WSDA Communications Team: New faces, new processes

Over the last few months, you may have seen some new faces when you’ve interacted with the Communications Team. That’s because we hired two new communications consultants June 1st.

With these new team members, we’re now able to provide each division with a dedicated communications resource.

What does that mean for you? It means that when you need communications support, you can reach out directly to your assigned consultant.

Here’s a breakdown for each division and Director Office Programs:

• Admin Services: Kat Kersten and Amber Betts
• Animal Services: Kimberly Vaughn
• Commodity Inspection: Daniel Schafer
• Director’s Office: Kat Kersten
• Food Safety and Consumer Services: Daniel Schafer
• Pesticide Management: Kimberly Vaughn
• Plant Protection: Karla Salp

Media-related items such as press releases, media interviews and media questions should be directed to Amber Betts, Public Information Officer. And as she had for many years, Becca Sotelo will continue creating top-notch graphic designs in collaboration with the division's communication consultants.

What is communications support? Do you need something edited? Do you need an extra set of eyes, or help writing content? Do you need to get the word out about your program, event, or initiative? A flyer? A billboard? Sky writing?

If you need help with any communication efforts, that’s us!

In summary: With new team members, we’re now able to provide each division with a dedicated communications resource. Read here to find out which consultant is designated to support your work.

Exciting changes ahead: Transitioning from Listserv to GovDelivery

Kim Vaughn 
Communications

WSDA is making the shift from Listserv to GovDelivery

We are thrilled to announce some exciting developments! Our agency is undergoing a significant transformation in our communication approach as we transition from Listserv to GovDelivery. This shift represents a momentous stride in our ongoing efforts to connect more effectively with our valued subscribers.

With GovDelivery, we are well-positioned to introduce a multitude of enhancements in how we disseminate crucial news and updates. This transition goes beyond mere technological change; it underscores our steadfast dedication to staying at the forefront of modern communication technology.

In the upcoming weeks, our team will be actively engaged in training and the development of the new GovDelivery platform.

As we embark on this journey towards a more streamlined and engaging communication experience, we invite you to stay tuned for exciting updates and the latest news on the horizon.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and eagerly anticipate providing the agency with an even more enhanced communication experience through GovDelivery!
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly.Vaughn@agr.wa.gov.

In summary: WSDA will transition from utilizing Listserv to GovDelivery in the coming months.

NRAS unveils its refreshed identity: Introducing 'Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences’

Kim Vaughn 
Communications

NRAS gets a new name, but keeps its acronym 

After careful consideration and in alignment with our evolving mission and objectives, we are embarking on a transformation journey. We are rebranding our esteemed "Natural Resources Assessment Section" to the dynamic and encompassing "Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences."

This rebranding reflects our commitment to expanding our horizons, fostering innovation, and embracing the evolving landscape of natural resource management. The updated name better encapsulates the diverse spectrum of activities, research, and initiatives we engage in, extending beyond traditional assessment to include cutting-edge agricultural sciences.

Our dedication to excellence, sustainability, and a holistic approach to resource management remains unwavering. As we embark on this exciting rebranding endeavor, we look forward to even more remarkable achievements in the realm of natural resources and agricultural sciences.

Visit the NRAS website to learn more about the program.

In summary: The "Natural Resources Assessment Section" is being renamed to "Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences" to better reflect its evolving mission and objectives.

Moth traps in my home?

A reflection on trapping where unhoused people gather

Kaleb Merwin
WSDA invasive moth trapper

Setting and monitoring moth traps has been an amazing experience for me this summer. I have learned a lot about my city, met many friendly people, and gained some specific skills for finding that “perfect tree.” 

While most people I have met have been curious or even sometimes grateful for the trapping work I do, some are understandably less excited. “You want to put that on one of my trees?” “Are those moths really harmful?” “Is there some kind of outbreak in the neighborhood?” Most who respond this way to a knock at the door are frustrated at the perceived intrusion or worry the presence of the trap signifies that harmful pests are already on their property. The responses I have never heard from someone with a door to knock on are fear, shame, or panic. 

In any major city in America, people live without shelter. In Tacoma, our unhoused population is estimated at nearly 10,000 individuals spread across the city and in constant movement due to encampment sweeps and other threats to their stability and safety. Many displaced people have had unpleasant interactions with public employees, from law enforcement, Department of Transportation officials, and even clerks in public social assistance centers. What should they think then when a sleek state vehicle pulls up to the curb closest to where they have found temporary peace? 

I volunteer in my free time to provide my neighbors without shelter some food and supplies as I am able to. While I am on the job, I don’t necessarily have the time or tools to make these same connections. I am tempted to staple my trap, avoid eye contact, and move on quickly. But I must stop and remember what was taught in training – I am obligated to knock on someone’s door if I wish to put a trap on their property. If I have a conversation with someone about the trap, they are far less likely to pull it down. And importantly: if the person believes a tree to be their property even when you know it isn’t, default to them. The customer is always right. 

I don’t knock on RV and trailer doors. I don’t enter an encampment, just as I would not enter someone’s home. But I do say hello. I do introduce myself. And I do speak as though I am the one asking a favor in someone’s front yard because, for all intents and purposes, I am. Sometimes the first response is fear, panic, or shame. I may not be the first person in a safety vest to approach them, and I’m the one with a staple gun. Speaking calmly and in a friendly voice helps tell the message that I’m here to do good, not make things harder. I personally make a good impression by keeping cold water in a cooler in my trunk. Heat and dehydration are dangerous, and I don’t want any of my neighbors to suffer.

Not every trapper feels safe talking to unhoused strangers, and you should always do what you need to stay safe. I only ask that you remember not all homes have doors, and not all of your neighbors have fences.  

In summary: A WSDA invasive moth trapper reflects on considerations when setting traps in areas where people without housing gather.