Washington Agriculture
Washington packs a plethora of agricultural advantages – rich soil and diverse climates; large-scale irrigation, helping nearly 40,000 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 over 70 percent of all apples in the U.S. In Washington alone, apples make up 20 percent 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.