The value of Washingtons food and other agriculture products shipped overseas dropped 6% in 2023, compared to the previous year.

Washington potato farmers can’t keep pace with worldwide cravings for french fries, hash browns, tots, potato chips and other processed potato products. And not being able to supply the spuds has meant other countries have gobbled up the market share.

“We’re seeing a lot more European french fries and...

When it comes to describing the story of Washington agriculture in 2022, a few words in particular seem to fit: Unusual. Challenging. Hopeful.

Weather played a major role in that mix, with some crops struggling and others faring well amid the cool, wet spring, brief but hot summer, and...

Derek Sandison,

Washington state’s agriculture industry is known for its diverse crop portfolio and innovative marketing strategies. At the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), we work to preserve and maintain...

The 2022 grape growing season got off to a slow start.

But the “unique” year – which included a cold and wet spring, a later-than-usual bud break and bloom, brief but hot summer temperatures and a fall that brought ideal weather – means “it’s going to be an exceptional...

Washington saw the value of its agriculture exports grow by nearly 4% in 2022.

The $8 billion figure includes fish and seafood, frozen french fries, wheat, dairy, hay, apples and other products originating in the state, and it comes despite an unusual growing season that...

After a calamitous 2021 harvest that saw the lowest total production since the 1960s, Washington wheat made a comeback the following year with a return-to-average crop. Weather conditions look poised to deliver the same for 2023.

“It’s still very early, of course. We are in the growth stage at...

After a 2022 season challenged growers with unseasonably cool temperatures and late snow that damaged blossoms and discouraged honeybees from leaving their hives, cherry farmers are looking forward to more cooperative weather.

“So far, the indications are looking pretty good,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree...

It could be a more normal year for Washington apples after smaller harvests in 2021 and 2022.

Last year, growers brought in 102.7 million 40-pound box equivalents, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) Statistical Review.

“Before this, 122 million was considered a short crop,” said Todd Fryhover,...

Last year has been described as a challenging one for the hop industry, coming off a previous record crop, unseasonably cold and wet spring and increased costs for production.

But the industry is hopeful 2023 brings a better hop crop.

“We’re about one week behind in heat units with another...