PULLMAN, Wash. – U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., visited Washington State University’s plant growth facilities Friday, Feb. 21, to highlight the impacts of the recently approved federal farm bill on WSU and the state.
She championed a provision in the bill that gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture $10 million through 2017 to purchase pulse crops to use in school breakfasts and lunches. Pulse crops, sometimes called “grain legumes” include dry lentils, dry peas and dry beans.
The pulse crop initiative positions WSU to potentially receive $25 million in grants to study the nutritional benefits of these crops.
Cantwell met with WSU leaders and researchers and wheat and chickpea industry representatives.
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