Program details Washington agriculture and impact
The ‘Washington Grown’ crew checks out the operation at the Washington State University cheese factory. The show was nominated for three Northwest Emmys.
MOSES LAKE — A weekly television program that highlights Washington agriculture was nominated for three Northwest Emmy awards.
Washington Grown was nominated for Best Informational/Instructional Program, Best Interview/Discussion Program and Best Arts/Entertainment program, said Ryan Holterhoff of the Washington State Potato Commission. The WSPC and the Washington Wheat Growers were the founding partners for Washington Grown, now in its third season.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Seattle in June.
The show tells the story of Washington agriculture, focusing on a different commodity in each episode. Each features the work of a family farm, detailing how each crop is produced. That’s followed by a visit to a restaurant somewhere in the state to see how chefs are using the commodity in their recipes. Episodes end with a recipe families can prepare in their own kitchens.
Kristi Gorenson is the host, and was nominated for a Northwest Emmy in 2014. The show won national Telly awards in 2014 and 2015.
Agriculture is a crucial part of Washington’s economy. The industry contributes more than $50 billion to the state’s economy, according to the Washington Department of Agriculture. Farmers, growers and ranchers produce about 300 different agricultural commodities, and the industry employs about 160,000 people.
“Agriculture, and the food our family farms are growing, play such a dynamic part in Washington, yet many people are unaware of the impact it has on us,” said WSPC director Chris Voigt. Getting the message out was the motivation behind Washington Grown, he said.
“Dozens of family farms and local chefs have been showcased,” Holterhoff said.
“The great part about the concept of the show is that there are no shortages of really interesting and compelling stories,” said Dave Tanner, president of North by Northwest Productions. (The company produces Washington Grown.) “Food is what brings us all together, whether you live on a farm or in downtown Seattle. It’s really fun to show how we are all connected by what we eat and what Washington’s family farmers are growing.”
The show airs weekly on KSPS (Spokane) and NCWN, Holterhoff said.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.