Focus Magazine
Higher education: college projects could depend on state funding
The Tri-Cities’ two colleges have plenty of capital projects planned in the coming years, though some are dependent on approval...
Leading producers: Agriculture adds billions to state’s economy
Washington state is an agricultural powerhouse, leading the nation in the production of apples, grapes, cherries, pears, hops and blueberries....
Apple capital: State sends fruit to more than 60 countries
Washington’s $3 billion apple industry is not just the state’s biggest crop, but it also accounts for two-thirds of total...
Export uncertainties: Recent changes in trade policy cause worry
By Jennifer L. Drey Washington’s agricultural exports increased significantly in 2017, but uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy has some producers...
A gambler’s crop: Cherry orchards at mercy of Mother Nature
The Northwest saw one of the most perfect cherry crops last year, setting new production and export records. In 86...
Fierce wage competition: Farms compete for laborers as worker shortage continues
By Jennifer L. Drey An ongoing shortage of agricultural laborers is forcing some Washington farms to get creative in their...
Vines reign supreme: State boasts viticulture advantage
Growing high-quality wine grapes that become award-winning wine and millions of tons of juice grapes that become America’s best-known grape...
Steady growth: Wine grape demand nearly outpaces supply
Washington has developed a reputation for over-delivering on the quality of wine as it relates to the price of the...
