return to homepagereturn to homepage
 A+ | a- | Print  

 
Updated 7/31/09

Agriculture: A Cornerstone
of Washington's Economy

Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most productive growing regions in the world. The state's deep-water ports and its proximity to important Asian markets also provide natural advantages for agricultural trade.

  • The state's $42 billion food and agriculture industry employs 160,000 people and contributes 13% percent to the state's economy.
  • Nearly $9.3 billion in food and agricultural products were exported through Washington ports in 2007, the third largest total in the U.S.

Top Crops
Washington's 39,000 farms power a diverse agricultural economy, led by the state's apple industry with more than 57 percent of  U.S. production.  In addition to the top 10 commodities listed below, the Evergreen State is a major producer of hops, farm forest products, fish and shellfish, raspberries and mint oils. 

View updated maps of Washington's top crops and food processing industries and USDA's "Pride  of Washington State" brochure, based on the federal agency's 2007 Census  of Agriculture.

Top 10 Commodity 2007 Value of Production
(In Millions)
Apples 1 $1,746
Milk $1,062
Wheat $   975
Potatoes 2 $   685
Cattle $   581
Hay $   517
Nursery/Greenhouses $   343
Cherries 1 $   327
Pears 1 $   178
Grapes 2 $   172
1 First in U.S. production.
2 Second in U.S. production.

Washington wheat

Partners in
Washington Agriculture

Thumbnail for version as of 20:20, 27 June 2006 Washington's agricultural production is reported by the federal National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)  that provides timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. (External Site)

Commodity Commissions are industry-funded state agencies focused on crop and livestock research and marketing.

Many other Agricultural Organizations work with or provide assistance to Washington's farmers and ranchers.

Washington State University logo. Washington State University supports agriculture through its research, extension and academic programs (External Site)

Video

  

Our Farms to Your Table   

 
Access Washington Official State Government Web SiteDoing Business in Washington