Washington is known worldwide for its apples, but our state is also among the nation’s top producers of hops, cherries, grapes, potatoes and wheat, among other crops. Yet each year’s harvest reveals a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities for our state’s agriculture industry.

Benton and Franklin counties continue to be ag power players, each recording crops and livestock sales of more than $1 billion in 2022. That’s according to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture released earlier this year. Statewide, ag sale totals increased 32% to $12.8 billion.

As the value increased, the decline in the total number of farms statewide — and nationwide — is cause for concern. The number dwindled between 2017-22 by 12% in Benton County, where 94% are family farms; and 3% in Franklin County, where 86% are family farms.

Each sector of the ag industry continues to face a unique set of circumstances, which the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business team unpacked in this year’s Focus: Agriculture + Viticulture magazine, inserted in the June edition.

While some, like the potato industry, grapple with a surplus due to increased production, others, like wheat growers, struggle with drought and low global prices. Trade remains a double-edged sword. Exports, a lifeblood for many growers, dropped in 2023 due to a sluggish global economy and currency fluctuations. 

An ever-changing consumer landscape also presents challenges. The rise of direct-to-consumer sales and the growing demand for premium wines highlight a shift in consumer preferences. Washington’s wine industry, though facing a smaller grape harvest in 2023, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with its focus on quality vintages.

Labor shortages and rising operational costs remain a constant refrain across all sectors. 

The future of Washington agriculture hinges on its ability to adapt and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Embracing innovation, exploring new markets, and prioritizing sustainability are crucial for continued success. So is taking aim at rising labor costs, worker shortages, and increasing fuel prices and property taxes.

We must continue to advocate for better policies, invest in ag-tech startups and streamline the process for foreign workers to fill labor shortages. Long-term solutions are necessary at the state and federal level to ensure a plentiful harvest and way of life for generations to come.