SUNNYSIDE, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says Congress needs to address comprehensive immigration reform to ensure a stable work force for agriculture.
Gregoire spoke about agriculture issues, including labor, water and exports, during a tour of Eastern Washington farm operations.
The nearly $40 billion agriculture industry represents 12 percent of Washington state’s economy. But Gregoire says keys to future success include available water and stable labor supplies.
Gregoire picked cherries Friday morning at the farm of Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse, before continuing on to a fruit grower in Brewster and a biofuels company in Odessa.
