Capturing a taste of Washington

Chris McGann
Communications

Taiwanese buyers snap photos of the popcorn candy coating
 process at a Seattle-area factory. After sampling the gamut
 of flavors, truffle was a surprise standout!

WSDA is always busy looking for ways to expand markets for Washington producers. Our International Marketing Program helps facilitate buyer-seller connections, delivers resources and continually advocates for global market access.

Recently, the program joined forces with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association to connect Taiwanese buyers with 17 Northwest suppliers.

After a whirlwind of face-to-face, buyer-seller meetings - more than 80 on the first day - the buyer group struck out on day two to see where the magic happens at three Seattle-area facilities. They visited Seattle Popcorn Company (Uncle Woody’s Popcorn);  AMES International (chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, nuts, and cookies); and SuperValu International (product consolidation/private label brands).

WSDA International Marketing Program Trade Specialist Elisa Daun organized the mission.

“Connecting professional buyers with Washington companies is a great opportunity,” Daun said. “These missions showcase the abundance of quality products available in our state and can be invaluable for producers trying to reach overseas markets.”

In 2017, Taiwan imported more than $264 million worth of Washington's agricultural and food products. The top five products were:

1. Apples ($72 million)
2. Frozen French Fries ($53 million)
3. Sweet Cherries ($41 million)
4. Frozen/Chilled Beef ($18 million)
5. White Wheat ($16 million)

The International Marketing Program is working to help position Washington companies to export their products efficiently and profitably, while promoting our state’s consistent high quality, diversity of offerings, and high standard for food safety and handling.

Washington’s major crops and commodities have trade associations for promotion. The WSDA International Marketing Program helps bridge the gap for smaller suppliers, many of whom sell processed or packaged goods. The buyers can meet the operators, tour facilities and get a better sense of the quality of products and companies they will be working with.

For more information about upcoming international marketing events and activities, check out this WSDA calendar.

Apply early for your Cottage Food permit, be ready for farmers market season

Liz Beckman
Cottage Food Coordinator 

Spring is not far off when a harvest of strawberries, raspberries and other fruits prompt some of us to envision desserts, jams and jellies to enjoy with seasonal summer fruit. If this has you thinking of starting a Cottage Food home business and selling your goods at your local farmers market, the time to submit your application is now.

The application process can take several weeks and first-time applicants sometimes miss key parts that can delay approval. By applying now, you still have time to get your Cottage Food permit and be prepared when Washington’s farmers markets are in full swing, as well as when the fruits and berries are coming into season.

Depending on the number of recipes submitted, it could take anywhere from four to six weeks for an application to be reviewed and approved for a home inspection, which must be conducted before a Cottage Food permit is issued.

You can get an application by visiting www.agr.wa.gov/cottagefood or by calling the Cottage Food Program at (360) 902-1844.

If you are working on your application and have questions, we’ll be holding a Cottage Food Workshop on March 3, 2016. There, a reviewer will go through your application and be available to help you identify areas that may need more work. Or you may get the good news that your application is ready for submission!

If you have any questions, you can email us at cottagefoods@agr.wa.gov or give us a call.