BURLINGTON — During a visit on Wednesday to Washington State University’s Breadlab at the Port of Skagit, Sen. Patty Murray highlighted the importance of federal support for research into improvements in food processing and value-added agriculture.

“All of us rely on farmers, ranchers, growers and producers who work hard to get the foods we enjoy from the soil to the kitchen table,” Murray said during her visit. “And because of initiatives like Breadlab, Skagit Valley is leading the way on agricultural innovation.”

According to its website, WSU’s Breadlab conducts research on new strains of wheat, barley and rye to help create new varieties of grains that are better for the soil, easier to farm, taste better and are more nutritious.

Murray, currently chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, highlighted her continuing support for agricultural research, especially as Congress is considering the 2023 farm bill, which funds U.S. Department of Agriculture programs such as food and nutrition assistance, agricultural research, crop insurance and crop price support programs.