Agribusiness

Vision for Agribusiness

The Three Rivers region builds upon its history as the leading private sector industry to set a national example in new value-added agriculture processing, alternative and new crops, and alternative bio-source energy.

10-Year Outcomes and Goals:

  • Maintain and enhance critical resources required by agriculture
  • Develop the region into the hub of the Washington State wine industry
  • Expand opportunity for value-added conversion of local agricultural production
  • Promote development of nontraditional or alternative uses for agricultural production
  • Develop a network of agriculture-related strategic business alliances
  • Enhance agriculture and food processing education and training

Key Measures of Success Over 10 Years:

  1. Complete significant new Yakima water storage.
  2. Three new major business expansions; five new crops being processed.
  3. Area recognized as center for innovative agricultural technologies, which may include processing, irrigation, and utilization of by-products of agricultural production.
  4. Hold a world-class event that promotes the agricultural production of our area.
  5. The Tri-Cities will become known as a center for agricultural production, processing, and industry groups in the State of Washington.

Accomplishments During 2003:

  • Hosted a greatly expanded Wine Expo. The sponsorship of this event is now being assumed by the Washington Wine Commission.
  • Most recent survey results concerning agribusiness in the Tri-Cities were compiled and presented to the TRIDEC Agribusiness Committee.
  • State Representative Eric Pettigrew of Seattle was hosted to a tour addressing water and its effect on the Tri-Cities' economy.
  • Numerous members of the agribusiness community participated in the Trade Consuls' Tour in September.

Spring 2003 Workshop Update (PDF 11kb)