Market Promotion and
Trade Barrier Grants Awarded

Washington Wine Commission - $20,000 to produce a Washington wine promotional video and educational kit for U.S. wine buyers.  Contact: Robin Pollard (206) 667-9463

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Assoc. - $20,000 for creating a coupon "nursery passport" that promotes products from local nurseries for sale at Interstate 5 area garden centers.  Contact: Jeanne McNeil  (253) 661-6055

Washington State Beef Commission - $20,000 for the Cougar Gridiron Classic Presented by Washington 's Beef Producers. Fans attending the Washington State University football game scheduled for Sept. 8 at Qwest Field in Seattle will receive promotional products including free beef and chili. Contact:  Patti Brumbach (206) 444-2902

Washington Red Raspberry Commission - $20,000  to promote the nutritional benefits of raspberries to industrial and consumer buyers.  Contact:  Henry Bierlink  (360) 354-8767

South Whidbey Tilth Association - $5,500 to establish an additional day for operating a farmers market. On Wednesday afternoons, market vendors will sell locally grown farm products at Highway 525 and Thompson Rd. on Whidbey Island . Contact:  Anza Muenchow (360) 579-2892

Sustainable Connections - $18,000 to help create publications and other educational materials that lead to connecting producers to buyers. The organization is known for promoting local businesses with locally grown foods and has developed farm maps and directories highlighting which local businesses use local products. Contact:  Derek Long (360) 647-7093

Farming & the Environment - $18,552 to provide access to direct markets for Washington 's stewardship farms. The organization defines its program as certifying an environmentally friendly (sustainable) method of farming.   Contact: Jeff Voltz (206) 622-1340

Skagit Red Potato Growers' Association - $15,000  to promote Skagit's red potatoes at the Produce Marketing Association Trade Show slated in Houston this October. Contact:  Jack Wallace  (360) 757-0981

The Seattle Chapter of the Chefs Collaborative - $10,200 to hold a Farmer Chef Connection Conference to reinforce business relationships between farmers, fishermen, chefs and other food buyers. The event increases awareness of developing a local food economy. Contact:  Seth Caswell (347) 432-3112

Washington State Potato Commission - $10,000 to conduct an analysis of fresh potato profitability and Canadian currency exchange for Washington State fresh potatoes sold to the Canadian market.  Contact:  Matt Harris (509) 765-8845

US Hop Industry Plant Protection Committee - $9,625 to help with a continued effort to harmonize hop pesticide tolerances to reduce the potential trade disputes stemming from residue detections.  Contact:  Ann George (509) 453-4749

Hop Growers of America - $15,400 to participate in the Brau Trade Fair 2007 in Nuremberg, Germany.  Contact:  Rick Sauve  (206) 292-6340

Cascade Harvest Coalition - $20,000 to connect local farmers with local food buyers and to help increase market share of locally grown food and farm income.  Contact:  Mary Embleton (206) 632-0606

Beefalo Northwest Association - $6,500 to increase awareness and educate the public on the benefits of Washington “beefalo.” The relatively new meat product is derived from a cross-breed of domestic cattle and bison. The marketing plan includes sales in the Seattle market.  Contact:  Mark or Linda Merrill (509) 968-3132