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Page updated/verified: Mar 29, 2018

Agriculture: A Cornerstone
of Washington's Economy

For more information, email pio@agr.wa.gov or call 360-902-1813.

Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most productive growing regions in the world and enables farmers to produce over 300 crops each year.  The state's deep-water ports and its proximity to important Asian markets also provide natural advantages for agricultural trade.   

Washington Agriculture Word Cloud

Want to know when certain crops are growing? See our "Washington Grown Seasonality Charts" for Vegetables [PDF 284 KB] and Fruits, Legume and Herbs. [PDF 218 KB]

Information on agriculture from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Each year, the USDA updates facts and figures regarding agriculture in Washington. Find that information here:

USDA logo USDA's National Agricultural Statistics for WA

For the most recent production rates, see the USDA's October 13, 2017 press release, "Value of Washington's 2016 Agricultural Production Totals $10.6 Billion." [pdf 243 kb]

Visit USDA's Washington State Field Office for more information. 

2016 Top Crops

Washington's farms power a diverse agricultural economy, led by the state's apple industry with 70 percent of U.S. production. 

Top 10 Commodity 2016 Value of Production
1. Apples $     2.4 (billion)
2. Milk $     1.1 (billion)
3. Potatoes $    813 (million)
4. Cattle $   704 (million)
5. Wheat $   657 (million)
6. Cherries $   503 (million)
7. Hay $   479 (million)
8. Hops $   382 (million)
9. Grapes $   360 (million)
10. Pears $   233 (million)

In conjunction with Washington's top 10 crops, we are also a leading producer of many other crops nationally. See the chart below to see how Washington crops stack up against the rest of the nation in production in 2016.

WA Ranks 1st WA Ranks 2nd WA Ranks 3rd
Apples Potatoes Peppermint Oil
Hops Niagara Grapes Lentils
Spearamint Oil Nectarines Dried Peas
Wrinkled Seed Peas Apricots Tart Cherries
Concord Grapes All grapes  
Sweet Cherries Asparagus  
Pears All Raspberries  
Raspberries* Onions  
Blueberries    
Aquaculture    

Partners in Washington Agriculture


USDA logo  Washington's agricultural production is reported by USDA's
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), providing timely, accurate statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. [External Site]

Department of Commerce Logo
Choose Washington:  Innovation is in our Nature: Department of Commerce supports value-added agriculture and food processing.  Commerce, WSDA assisted export sales exceed target by 65%  
[External Site]

Commodity Commissions
are industry-funded state agencies that engage primarily in  crop and livestock marketing or research related to a specific agricultural commodity. [PDF]
Many other
Agricultural Organizations help Washington's farmers and ranchers. [PDF]

Washington State University LogoWashington State University supports agriculture through its research, extension and academic programs.
[External Site]

 
Access Washington Official State Government Web Site