04/19/06 Asparagus industry buyer`s tour

Washington Ag April 19, 2006 The Washington Asparagus Commission and the Washington State Department of Agriculture are hosting an asparagus buyer's delegation today through Saturday. The Commission has targeted buyers that have no existing relationship with Washington's asparagus industry, but who are interested in buying Washington asparagus. Buyers are coming from Florida, Texas, Ohio, New York, Wisconsin and also from Canada. The buyer's tour is part of the Washington asparagus industry's effort to market the 2006 crop, which is expected to be the largest volume of fresh asparagus in several years. The state lost its last canner last year. Harvest of this year's asparagus crop is underway and the buyer's tour will include visiting packing facilities, grower fields, the Washington Asparagus Commission's research farm at Eltopia and of course an asparagus tasting. Nominations for the 2006 Washington State University 4-H Youth Development Hall of Fame are now being accepted by the Washington State 4-H Program. The nominations are due no later than June 1st. For forms and more information call 253-445-4550. 253-445-4550. Inductees will be honored at the State 4-H Forum at Lake Chelan on October 20th. I'm Bob Hoff.