Fruit is synonymous with summer and fall. Ripe, juicy, and delicious. Who doesn’t dream of ice cream, shortcake, scone, or fresh pie made from a fresh seasonal delight? Washington’s 15 million acres of farmland rich with volcanic soils, diverse growing climates, and large-scale irrigation networks are the optimal growing conditions for providing the county and even the world with these golden jewels. Bite into some of Washington’s fun facts about the local produce.
- Washington is the #1 producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries.
- The state is the #2 producer of apricots, asparagus, grapes, potatoes, and raspberries in the U.S.
Popular berries in Western Washington include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. - Washington is the second-largest producer of wine in the United States, supporting 1,000 wineries.
- Agriculture and food manufacturing operations support 164,000 jobs in Washington.
- The industry generates more than $20.4 billion in revenue annually.
- About one-third of Washington’s agricultural commodities are exported, 75% going to Asia markets.
- Food manufacturing is a $12 billion industry and is the state’s second-largest manufacturing industry.
- The first fruit tree to grow in Washington state was an apricot tree.
- Washington’s top fruit crops include:
- Apples – $1.95 billion
- Cherries – $393.5 million
- Grapes – $308 million
Check out our local list of fun-filled ways to experience what Washington has to offer.