Washington is one of the most agriculturally productive states in the United States, especially in its irrigated interior. Agriculture is concentrated east of the Cascade Range, where river systems, irrigation projects, and dryland farming support a wide range of crops and livestock.
Major agricultural products include:
- **Apples** — Washington is the nation’s leading apple-producing state. - **Cherries** — Both sweet and tart varieties are important, with strong export markets. - **Pears** — A major fruit crop in several valleys. - **Hops** — Washington is a leading U.S. producer, especially in the Yakima Valley. - **Wine grapes** — The state is one of the country’s top wine-producing regions. - **Wheat** — Grown extensively in dryland areas such as the Palouse and other interior regions. - **Potatoes** — Important in irrigated regions and food processing supply chains. - **Blueberries and raspberries** — Significant in both western and eastern parts of the state. - **Dairy** — Important in several counties, particularly in western and northwestern Washington. - **Cattle and livestock** — Beef and dairy operations contribute to rural economies.
Washington also has commercial fisheries and shellfish industries, especially in coastal waters, Puget Sound, and estuaries, although fisheries management is tightly connected to treaty rights, conservation, and habitat conditions. Forestry and wood products remain part of the broader land-based economy in many regions.
Organic farming, specialty foods, farmers markets, and local food networks are well developed in parts of the state, especially near metropolitan markets and in wine and specialty-crop regions.