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Where is Washington and why should you
consider coming?
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Located in the northwest corner of the
United States, Washington – the state, not the nation’s capital – is one
of the most productive agricultural growing regions in the nation.
Washington ranks number one nationally in eleven crops, including
apples, cherries, and red raspberries, and second or third in eleven
others. Most of Washington’s harvest activity occurs between late April
and early November. Washington’s bountiful harvests are the product of
a temperate climate, nutrient-rich volcanic soil, and irrigation water
from the mighty Columbia and Snake Rivers.
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What is the state’s largest crop? |
Apples are Washington’s largest crop, by
far. Washington is also the largest producer of apples in the
nation. Nearly three out of every five apples in the U.S. are grown in
Washington. Washington apples thrive in the warmer, more arid climate
of central and eastern Washington. Apple harvesting begins in
mid-August and generally ends in early November. Between 10-12 billion
apples are handpicked in Washington each year. Every Washington apple
is picked by hand.
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What is the state’s next largest
crop? |
Washington is the nation’s largest producer
of sweet cherries. More than half of the nation’s sweet cherries
come from this state. Like apples, Washington cherries also thrive in
the central and eastern parts of the state. Washington produced a
record 171,000 tons of sweet cherries in 2006. Tart cherries add
another 11,000 tons to that total. Washington cherries are generally
harvested between early June and the end of August.
In addition to apples and cherries,
Washington produces significant amounts of other tree fruits, including
pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and plums. These are generally
harvested between July and September, which puts them more or less
between the more dominant cherry and apple harvests. These orchards are
also mostly in the central and eastern regions of the state.
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Are there opportunities in western
part of the state? |
Yes. Washington is
the largest producer of red raspberries in the U.S. More than 90
percent of the nation’s red raspberries are grown in Washington. Red
raspberries thrive in the relatively cool, marine climate across Western
Washington, especially in the northwest part of the state. Washington’s
red raspberries bear fruit twice a year: In late August through early
September, then again the following June through July. Strawberries are
another major crop in Western Washington with most of the harvest coming
in June. For additional information about other crops in
Washington, see the
Crop Activity Calendar. |
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