Costco's Produce Sales Soar, Wheat Foundation Trap Shoot

I'm Susan Allen with Washington Ag Today. Our state is known for groundbreaking companies that shape national trends, one, is Issaquah-based Costco. The retailer announced during their third-quarter earnings reports that fresh fruits and vegetables many sourced throughout our state are now as big as protein sales. Richard Galanti, executive vice president, and chief financial officer, was quoted in Packer, a fruit industry publication as saying that fresh produces sales are approaching a $6 billion business, and the CFO wasn't concerned that Texas-based Whole Foods who just launched their new 365 retail outlets would impact Costco's Market share. And for you wheat farmers don't forget the fun Washington Wheat Foundation trapshoot, at Landt Farms Lane, at Nine Mile Falls outside of Spokane here's a reminder from Tom Allen:

Allen: Washington Wheat Foundation is having it's June shoot again, Wednesday, June 15, registration deadline is June 10th.Payment should be postmarked no latter than June 10th. $90 included shoot and catered barb-a-cue from Longhorn Barbeque. All proceeds benefit the Washington Wheat Foundation.

Cherry harvest is underway throughout the state with growers encouraged that exports should remain lucrative despite the-the strong dollar. Approximately 30 percent of WA cherries are exported with Canada and China our top export markets.