06/01/06 House ag hearing; Heart of Wash campaign

Washington Ag June 1, 2006 The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has scheduled a formal hearing in Yakima to review federal farm policy Saturday, June 10th. That hearing will begin at 10 a.m. and be in the South Ballroom of the Yakima Convention Center. The House Ag Committee is chaired by Republican Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, who visited eastern Washington last year. From the Heart of Washington, a Washington Department of Agriculture marketing program advocating Washington crops and food products, has kicked off a multi-tier public education campaign called "Did you know". The campaign features a 30-second television ad with Governor Gregoire in which she is shown grocery shopping, explaining the variety of freshness and value of buying Washington grown products. Gregoire: "Next time you shop, look for Washington products, or ask your grocer for them. It is a delicious way to help support our local farmers. From the Heart of Washington. Our farms to your table." The Heart of Washington campaign also includes public radio, a web site redesign at heartofwashington.com and the unprecedented support of retailers representing 450 store locations. Those stores committed to posting signage and shelf talkers on Washington products such as packaged goods, frozen food, dairy, meats, seafood, wine and produce. I'm Bob Hoff.