Withdrawal from TPP may cost wheat farmers

OLYMPIA, March 10 –– President Donald Trump’s order withdrawing the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership was issued with the promise of saving American jobs, but it may also mean fewer opportunities for Washington farmers.

The agricultural industry supported the Partnership. Washington wheat growers hoped it would help expand markets in countries like Vietnam and Malaysia where grain demand is growing.

Wheat is a $600 million industry in Washington, which ranks fifth in the country for wheat production. Last year, wheat growers harvested more than 157,290 bushels from 2.2 million a...