1959
Inland Empire Fertilizer Dealers Association is created, and first convention is held in Spokane, Washington.
1969
First staff member hired – Ken Maurer, Executive Secretary.
1978
New name is acquired – Far West Fertilizer Association. It was felt that the new name best described the geographic
1979
Safety packet designed to help member companies keep records of safety meetings.
1980
Far West launches first safety program that was provided once a month.
1983
Acquired first WA legislative liaison – Errett Deck, former WA Asst. Director of Ag.
1983
Sponsored a PNW based Fertilizer Retail Dealer Efficiency Data survey. providing a comparison of regional retailers.
1984
First Management Seminar held in Pasco, WA.
1985
Sponsored the Intermountain Safety School.
1988
Organized participation of dealers in the Retroactive Rating program for WA State industrial insurance so dealers could receive rebates on insurance premiums.
1990
Hired first Executive Director, Scott McKinnie.
1993
First Far West office opened in downtown Spokane, WA.
1998
Members and staff help craft the first state law in the US regulating heavy metals in fertilizers – signed by Gov. Gary Locke (WA).
2003
Far West Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association becomes Far West Agribusiness Association.
2006
FWAA becomes administrator for Northwest region of Certified Crop Adviser program.
2009
WA HB223 legislation passed/CDL exemption.
2020
Far West Agribusiness Association rebranded creating a new logo.
2022
Current staff members include Margaret Jensen, Susan Reed and Emily Gluch.
1968
Introduction of the Outstanding Serviceman’s Award
1972
First lobbying efforts – Lobbied WA Legislature to make exemption to Jones Act.
1978
“Careers in the Pacific Northwest Fertilizer Industry” is completed by the association to showcase ag careers.
1980
In conjunction with chemical industry, arranged meetings in WA,OR, and ID to disseminate EPA regulations on hazardous waste.
1980
Far West funds and helps create a Sales School program.
1983
“Back to Basics” fertilizer seminar developed.
1983
Sponsored a PNW based Fertilizer Retail Dealer Efficiency Data survey. providing a comparison of regional retailers.
1984
Strong actions made to successfully get parts of the Workers Right to Know Bill changed while working against it.
1985
Fertilizer Dealer Seminar in Marketing and Financial Management created and held in February in Pasco, WA.
1988
First monthly newsletter sent out due to growing membership.
1993
Inland Empire Ag Chemical Association merges with Far West as a WA non-profit corporation incorporated on October 16th.
1997
Establishment of Far West CFA NH3 driver certification program.
2002
Far West merges and acquires Idaho Crop Production Association (ICPA) and its assets.
2005
Far West acquires Washington Pest Consultants Association
2008
New Executive Director, Jim Fitzgerald hired.
2016
Far West hires Errin Nelson as the Office Manager
2020
Far West office moves to Weiser, Idaho. Margaret jensen hired as new executive director after Jim Fitzgerald retired.
2023
Far West hires Craig Smith as new Executive Director