On September 11, 2025, WSCRC hosted a panel discussion on Sustaining Washington Agriculture in a Shifting Trade Landscape, featuring Rianne Ham, Manager of International Marketing Program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture; John Melin, President and CEO of Brown & Haley; Mark Powers, President of the Northwest Horticultural Council; and Lawrence Ward, Chair of Dorsey & Whitney LLP’s National Security Law Group and head of the firm’s Seattle office.
The panelist examined the impacts of trade and tariffs on Washington state’s agriculture, and discussed issues such as how they are managing risks in an increasingly uncertain trade and business environment, and technological and operational innovations to navigate trade challenges. Melin shared first-hand examples of how the uncertainty and unpredictable tariff polices have affected their business. Ham and Marks also shared ways in which the government and trade associations could better support businesses navigate trade uncertainties.