McMorris Rodgers Applauds Japan’s Decision to Resume Pacific Northwest White Wheat Purchases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Ending months of uncertainty for wheat growers in Eastern Washington, Japan resumed purchasing Western White wheat today. 

“This is great news for wheat growers in Eastern Washington. Family wheat farms are one of the largest economic drivers of jobs in Eastern Washington, generating nearly $1 billion in production value," said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. "The Pacific Northwest provides reliable, high-quality wheat and I am glad that Japan, a key trading partner, will resume its purchase of wheat from the U.S."

Rep. McMorris Rodgers sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) last month, urging them to conduct its investigation in a judicious and expeditious manner. She subsequently encouraged APHIS to continue to dissuade Japan from looking for alternative suppliers.  

According to U.S. Wheat officials, Japan has tendered a purchase order of 90,000 metric tons of Western White wheat, which is a blend of varieties called soft white wheat and club wheat. Both varieties are grown in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, USDA will continue to work with all international trading partners to ensure continued market access for U.S wheat.  

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