Senator Cantwell Visits Region's Growers and Packers

Senator Maria Cantwell toured the Domex Superfresh Grower's facility this morning, her first stop before making her way to Benton City.

Cantwell shared the benefits local growers and their employees should see in the coming months, since the U.S. Farm Bill was passed a few weeks ago.

The legislation helps fund everything from food stamps, to agricultural research into specialty crops such as apples, cherries, and pears. Most of which are grown in our area.

The bill also provides funding for export marketing support.

Cantwell says the bill will create more business, meaning more jobs for people in our area.

"When we can get some of these growing markets, and we can get the doors open through either the market assistance program, getting people to make first time Washington apple consumers, I think it could help grow jobs right here at home," said Cantwell.

Cantwell says about 1 in 4 people in Yakima County work in agriculture, and about 1 in 5 in the Columbia Basin.

• Print
• Email
• Tweet