Delvin to host Peruvian agricultural delegation in Tri-Cities

October 20, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, announced today that he will host governors of two agricultural regions in Peru during their Oct. 28—30 visit to the Tri-Cities.  

Ernesto Molina, governor of the Ayacucho province, and Wilmer Dios Benites, Tumbes regional president, will tour Tri-Cities’ agriculture technology firms and Washington State University’s agricultural research centers. They will also meet with the Tri-Cities Regional and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, who will host a luncheon Oct. 29. 

While in Washington, the Peruvian dignitaries are also interested in learning about the construction of dams, parks management, higher education, and public health. In the Tri-Cities, they will tour WSU’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston and Infinia in Kennewick, Syngenta in Pasco. WSU Tri-Cities will host a campus tour of bioproducts and bioenergy and the Tri-City Industrial Development Council will host a dinner for the visitors and Lt. Gov. Brad Owen in Richland. 

“I met Governors Molina and Benites while in Peru this summer on personal travel,” Delvin said. “Their regions are similar to the Tri-Cities, with the same kinds of agricultural challenges and opportunities. This visit will promote our region, business growth and friendship between our two countries.”  

A longtime friend of Peru, Delvin introduced a bill in 2003 that allows the state of Washington and Peru to exchange law enforcement and fire-fighting training and equipment, resulting in many lives saved.  

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Sen. Delvin represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes
Richland, Kennewick, Benton City, and Prosser.

Additional contact: Pat Albright at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov