In April, the Washington Grain Commission had the privilege of hosting its first aquaculture trade team. Industry professionals from both Chile and Ecuador traveled with U.S. Wheat Associates to Washington to learn more about Washington wheat as a potential ingredient in salmon and shrimp feed. Aquaculture is a growing industry with potential to increase Washington exports. Salmon and shrimp feed requires high-quality wheat to meet their formula specifications.
While the trade team was in Washington, they met with aquafeed industry professionals, visited a grain elevator, and toured the WSU greenhouse with wheat breeders and researchers. They shared meals with commissioners and local growers and spent time at Diamond-S Farms with Commissioner Art Schultheis. Each of these experiences was geared toward helping individual trade team members receive answers to questions and build confidence in the Washington wheat industry.
This aquaculture trade team was the first of several that will visit Washington during the 2026 season.
What is a Trade Team:
Because we use grower funds to support our trade team initiatives, it’s important to define exactly what a trade team is.
A trade team is a group of international customers and industry professionals invited to visit the U.S. by U.S. Wheat Associates. As hosts, the Washington Grain Commission provides trade teams with the opportunity to experience our wheat supply chain firsthand. From farms and research labs to export facilities and visits with industry professionals, trade teams see how Washington wheat is grown, tested, and delivered.
The purpose of a trade team is to build lasting relationships and show, in real terms, the quality, reliability, and value behind every single shipment of Washington wheat.
Trade teams are part of a long-term strategy focused on building lasting partnerships.
Where do Trade Teams Travel From:
U.S. Wheat organizes trade teams from all around the world. The trade teams that visit Washington, though, are most often specifically interested in soft white wheat. Because Washington grows world-class soft white wheat, countries with high-quality standards and strong baking industries visit Washington when U.S. Wheat organizes the event.
This includes countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines—three countries in Washington’s top five for exports.
In 2025, the Washington Grain Commission hosted participants from Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea.
What Goes Into Hosting a Trade Team:
From a commission standpoint, planning a trade team itinerary starts months in advance. The specific needs and goals of the trade team are evaluated, and an itinerary begins to take shape around those needs. Each trade team is different, so each itinerary is different, though the overall goal remains the same.
Working in tandem with U.S. Wheat Associates, the commission’s goal is always to create a meaningful, lasting impact that reinforces the international value of Washington-grown wheat.
Trade teams not only support and sustain current industries but also open new ones, providing more revenue sources for Washington growers.
As new industries emerge and old ones evolve, it is critical to keep the line of connection open between Washington wheat and the world.
Want to participate?
In 2026, one of our goals is to further diversify the trade team experience here in Washington, allowing more growers from across the state to get involved.
Follow along on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about opportunities for you to get involved with trade teams.