derek sandison

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow nationally, and across the Northwest, some have expressed concern, and even doubt, that there will be enough food. In response Washington state Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison released a statement Wednesday saying, “I want to assure the public that we are committed to keeping Washington’s food supply chain open and operational”.

Congratulations to the Washington state Department of Agriculture’s Technical Services and Education Program.  Last week TSEP earned a national innovation award as “one of the most robust pesticide safety training programs in the nation”.  That award was hande...

A new rule that went into effect this year removes penalties for cherry processors in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Utah, who previously faced lost market access to or through California for an entire season when fruit from just a few individual growers tested positive for fruit fly larva...

The New Year is only a few days old, but there are many reasons for concern, according to Washington state Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison.  He said top of that list is trade, not only a lack of a trade deal with China, but also trade tension with India which is hurting Washington Ag, specifically the apple industry.  On...

With BREXIT looming around the corner, could Washington’s Ag community benefit with new and expanded trade opportunities?  That’s a question Washington state Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison looked to answer during a recent trip to London.   Sandiso...

During the Columbia Basin Development League’s 55th annual meeting Tuesday, the organization honored state senator Mark Schoesler.  The Ritzville Republican received the Perseverance Award for what the league called “his longtime legislative efforts on behalf of communities and irrigators in the basin area”.   “The league c...

With Brexit, the United Kingdom’s official with drawl from the European Union, looming around the corner, many questions remain regarding trade with the British people.  In an effort to make sure Washington Ag is an option for trade across the pond, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison recently traveled to London with a small delegation of Ag officials to explore new

With Brexit, the United Kingdom’s official with drawl from the European Union, looming around the corner, many questions remain regarding trade with the British people.  In an effort to make sure Washington Ag is an option for trade across the pond, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison recently traveled to London with a small delegation of Ag officials to explore new

Wednesday marks the 9th year in a row the Washington state Department of Agriculture has teamed up with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington state Nutrition Association to host Taste Washington Day.  The October 2nd event encourages partnerships between local farmers and school districts to get Washington-grown products in the cafeteria.  ...

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture will honor Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse at the organization’s annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico this week.  NASDA will honor those the organization says have had a big impact on the farming industry.   Newhous...