On Tuesday, Representative Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Robert Lighthizer, urging the U.S. Trade Representative to take further action to support and strengthen the Washington asparagus industry.

 

“While I am very appreciative of your progress with USMCA and look forward to the Senate completing their work, the Washington asparagus industry remains concerned by unfair trade practices due to increased imports from Mexico and Peru, rising labor costs, and escalating overall production costs, which could force growers in Washington out of business,” Newhouse wrote in his letter.

 

Adding, “I hope that we can work together to find a solution to strengthen the Washington asparagus industry.”

 

  • Washington is a top producer of asparagus in the U.S.
  • Washington growers harvested 4,300 acres of asparagus in 2017
  • Asparagus is produced in the Columbia Basin, the Yakima Valley and the Walla Walla and surrounding areas

 

Click Here to read Newhouse's letter.

 

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