Murray honored for Washington agricultural support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., was presented with the Legislator of the Year Award on behalf of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG).

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” stated Murray. “I will continue to make sure we are giving wheat growers the tools and support they need to succeed in this competitive economy.”

The U.S. senator is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and worked to increase federal funding used for agricultural research. The research is used to gain scientific advances in the agricultural industry allowing Washington growers be more competitive.

She also secured funding to dredge the Columbia River, providing for a deeper channel to allow barges to transport agriculture products easier.

Murray supported the 2008 Farm Bill establishing assistance for farmers effected by major disasters.

WAWG is a non-profit organization charged with the responsibility to improve the state’s wheat industry. The group represents wheat growers across the state.

— Staff report