By Jamie Martin
On July 30th, soybean farmers demonstrated their commitment to enhancing U.S. agricultural exports by presenting a $1.3 million ceremonial check to the Port of Grays Harbor. This funding is designated for the Terminal 4 Expansion and Redevelopment Project, which aims to increase the port's soybean meal export capacity from 3 million to over 6 million metric tons annually by late 2025.
The donation was announced during the Soy Transportation Coalition's summer board meeting in Vancouver, Washington, which included tours of key soybean and grain export facilities in the Pacific Northwest—a region accounting for a quarter of U.S. soybean exports.
The expansion at the Port of Grays Harbor includes constructing additional storage and developing new ship loaders, alongside infrastructure improvements such as extended railroad tracks and enhanced stormwater treatment facilities. These upgrades are crucial for accommodating the anticipated doubling of soybean meal exports.
This strategic investment by the United Soybean Board, along with several regional soybean associations, underscores the importance of infrastructure in maintaining and growing the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture on the global stage. It also highlights the proactive role farmers are taking in leveraging their resources to enhance market access and profitability.
Phil Papac, President of the Port of Grays Harbor Commission, expressed gratitude for the farmers' support, which not only advances the port's capabilities but also strengthens the entire agricultural export chain from farm to international markets.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: National