Washington Agriculture
Washington packs a plethora of agricultural advantages – rich soil and diverse climates; large-scale irrigation, helping more than 32,000 farms produce more than 300 kinds of commodities; and a prime port location allowing easy access to Asian export markets.
The state leads the nation in apple production, accounting for around 70% of all apples in the U.S. In Washington alone, apples make up 17% of the state’s total cash receipts. Other top commodities are dairy, cattle and calves, wheat, and potatoes, among others.
Aquaculture thrives in this West Coast region, too, and so does forestry. Lush forests – including a rain forest in the Olympic Mountains – and an abundance of rain contribute to Washington’s nickname, the Evergreen State.