Washington State Governor starts drive to buy products of state’s farms

When was the last time you bought some Walla Walla onions, Yakima apples or
Pasco asparagus?

Washington state officials want you to buy more of the state’s foodstuffs, and
they kicked off a campaign yesterday to generate sales among local residents.

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

Over the next three years, officials will
slap "From the Heart of Washington"
labels on produce and place placards in
grocery stores. Under the
federally-financed program, the state
also will sponsor radio and television
spots and take other steps to create
more interest in local food.

As the state struggles to shake off its
first recession in two decades, Gov.
Gary Locke is trying to bolster farming
communities.

"It is a great way to help the economy of our state," Locke said at a press
conference at Pike Place Market.

While Locke was drumming up business in Seattle, three businesses in Spokane
were opening a new market, helping to send the first shipment of dry peas from
Washington to Cuba in four decades.

The 5,000 metric ton sale amounts to about $1.1 million, Tim McGreevy,
executive director of the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council. About 3,000 metric
tons are from the Palouse region of Eastern Washington. The rest are to come
from North Dakota, he said.

Recent relaxation of trade sanctions allows Cuba to order 20,000 metric tons of
U.S. dry green peas and lentils.

This report includes information from Seattle P-I reporter Paul Nyhan and The
Associated Press.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/74996_farm18.shtml