About WGC

WGC History

The Washington Grain Commission was created in 1958 as the Washington Wheat Commission by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) with the support of Eastern Washington farmers. The goal of the group, as explained by the director of the WSDA at the time was, “to do as a group what cannot be done alone.” The name of the organization was changed to the Washington Grain Commission in 2009 when barley came under the auspices of the organization. The current commission board is made up of seven farmer members, two industry representatives and a representative of the WSDA.
 
An assessment levied on wheat harvested in Eastern Washington at the rate of three-quarters of one percent of the net receipts at the first point of sale, supports the commission. An annual assessment on barley is levied at the rate of 1 percent of the net receipts at the first point of sale. Money collected from assessments is used to fund research, market development and education.
Old Wheat Harvest

Partnerships are a key component of the Washington Grain Commission effectively working on behalf of farmers and landlords in the areas of marketing, research and education.

These partnerships include a diverse group, including researchers, grain handling experts, export elevator companies, and global wheat consumers, along with government agencies like the Washington State Department of Agriculture. These partnerships also extend to legislative representatives, the U.S. Wheat Associates, the Wheat Marketing Center, WAWG, and various state commissions. By combining resources with these organizations, the WGC significantly leverages its funding to amplify its impact.

The WGC’s strategic partnerships with various entities enhance its influence both nationally and internationally. This collaboration plays a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of wheat farmers in Eastern Washington, a task that would be challenging to accomplish alone. The WGC supports over a dozen organizations critical to the wheat industry’s success through annual membership dues and other contributions.
The Washington Grain Commission (WGC), effective July 27, 2009, was created through state legislation by merging the Washington Wheat Commission (WWC) and the Washington Barley Commission (WBC). The WWC and WBC were originally created by producers in 1958 and 1985, respectively, to fund industry self-help programs through assessments on each bushel of wheat and barley sold.
The Washington Grain Commission is a self-governing agency of the State of Washington. The WGC enhances the profitability of Washington wheat and barley growers and meets ever-increasing market demands by:
  • Strengthening existing markets and developing new markets for PNW small grains
  • Encouraging and supporting research to optimize grower, buyer and end user benefits
  • Promoting and providing education
The WGC board of directors is made up of 10 members, including seven producer members representing 20 Eastern Washington counties, two representatives of allied industries and one representative from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The WGC allocates assessment funds to programs designed to enhance the production and marketing of Washington wheat and barley. Three major categories of funding include:
  • Market Development
  • Research
  • Education & Grower Services
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