WGC District Elections

Washington Wheat and Barley Commissioner Elections

The Washington Grain Commission ensures that farmers’ voices are heard in decisions impacting the state’s grain industry. The current commission board is made up of seven farmer (producer) members, two industry representatives and a representative of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The WGC board of commissioners oversees the market development, research, and education activities the commission conducts that an individual farmer could not do on their own.

Process and qualifications for producer members

Wheat and barley growers elect commissioners who represent their interests. Each commissioner represents a specific district, ensuring regional concerns are addressed and included in decision-making. Commissioners serve three-year terms for their respective districts.

Elections are held if more than one candidate is nominated in their respective district. Candidates must be active producers within designated districts and are nominated by their peers. Nomination ballots were due to the WSDA no later than October 18.

The Washington Grain Commission certifies that nominated growers meet the following criteria for serving on the commission:

Must be a resident of Washington state,
Eighteen years of age at the time of appointment,
Produce wheat or barley in the district in and for which he or she is nominated and appointed.
A wheat or barley producer member must continue to satisfy these qualifications during his or her term in office.

Elections are conducted through mail-in ballots sent from the WSDA.

Be sure to return your ballot to the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture before November 25!

Process Timeline

Applies only to producer positions.

Nominations are mailed no earlier than September 17 and no later than October 2.
Due no earlier than October 8 and no later than October 18.
Election ballots are mailed by WSDA on October 30.
Ballots need to be returned to the WSDA no later than November 25.
All positions are appointed by the Director of Agriculture.
Board officers are elected at the January meeting each year.