Praise for PNW wheat export market development work
Farm and Ranch March 8, 2010 The Pacific Northwest wheat industry’s efforts in export market development got a pat on the back recently when John Oades of U.S. Wheat Associates spoke at the Pacific Northwest Farm Forum in Spokane. Oades: “We have done a lot of things right. The synergy in the northwest industry in my opinion is somewhat unique. We have very open minded and forward looking groups, producer groups, the wheat commissions and the producer organizations. They very actively engage the breeder community and they worked with quality targets and recommended varieties that help us ensure value out to our customers overseas. We have also acted and communicated very actively with country elevator people and with the exporters. Those communication ties make those who are dependent on primarily export markets here in the northwest, do a good job.” Oades says overseas customers know the northwest wheat industry is responsive to their needs and concerns. Oades: “We know that our bread and butter is in the export market. So there isn‘t any question about who you are going to pay attention to. Other classes where they may export less than 50%, well there they have to give at least equal attention to their domestic users. Here in the northwest you are much more focused on the export side.” Oades, who is still doing work for U.S. Wheat Associates out of the Portland office, has been to over 80 countries promoting American wheat. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.
