Washington Grain Exports
Trade seems like such a simple concept. In fact, our nation was founded on the premise that trade with our neighbors would lead to prosperity. The Pilgrims of the Mayflower only survived their first years through trade with the indigenous Wampanoag tribe.
Today, we live in an era of American food security. While prices fluctuate at the grocery store due to unpredictable weather, input markets, processor expenses, and crop losses, even our poorest communities have access to food banks, programs, and services that keep families fed with the safest and healthiest food in the world. In America, we are also privileged to eat mostly on a local level. In Washington state, we are especially fortunate to have more than 300 commercially-grown foods grown within a day’s drive. There are more than 60 farmers markets throughout the state, and our grocery store shelves showcase healthy food choices year-round. We have more than 35,000 farms that are organic, traditional, urban, rural, big, and small. We grow so much food in this state that we have excess after feeding Washington and our neighbors around the U.S.
Not every nation in the world has food security. Not every nation can grow food for itself. The American farmer, especially those in Washington state, farm for those nations as well as ours. The U.S. makes up only about 4% of the world's population, but we help feed the other 96%.
Trade is vital to our Washington farmers and the countries they feed. Washington exports roughly 30% of its food and ag products annually, valued at roughly $6.7 billion. Specifically to grains, Washington exports roughly 80% of its wheat annually. Much of it goes to the Pacific Rim and Mexico.
Why is wheat so important? Outside of the U.S., wheat is a staple source of protein. Only about 30% of the world’s protein comes from animal sources. Most humans don’t eat meat regularly like Americans. “Wheat is the source of 20% of the world’s caloric intake and a dietary staple worldwide. It is an excellent source of energy-providing complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, and iron,” according to the U.S. Wheat Associates. Wheat accounts for roughly 20% of all the protein eaten worldwide. But most nations cannot grow wheat themselves. Nations like Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand cannot raise wheat. Their climate and land base do not allow for it, so they rely on our Washington farmers. We are fortunate to have ports along the Pacific coast to keep transportation to these trade partners cost-effective and efficient.
When trade disruptions such as war, port delays, and politics shut down exports from Washington, we all suffer. The farmers rely on exports to keep their businesses viable. Global consumers rely on Washington to supply their markets with necessary food they cannot grow.
Although international relations can get complicated, trade is still a simple concept. And especially for the Washington wheat industry, trade is vital. We are fortunate to be able to eat locally in Washington, but we must continue to think globally about our responsibilities and commitments to feed the world.