Agriculture is one of the region’s most important industries. In Spokane County alone, it generates $587 million in annual economic impact and supports 1,576 jobs*.

Let’s take a look at some facts and figures from the agriculture industry:

• Food processing is a $13 billion industry in Washington and employs 40,000 people.
• Washington is the leading U.S. producer of apple juice.
• Washington is the second-largest wine producer in the U.S. with nearly 700 licensed wineries.
• The food and agriculture industry makes up 11 percent of the state’s economy.
• Nearly $11 billion in food and agricultural products were exported through Washington ports in 2009, the third largest total in the nation.
• Spokane County has the second-highest number of farms in the state with 2,502.
• The top commodity in 2009 (the most recent data available) was apples (that’s not always the case from year to year).
• Whitman County produces more wheat than any other county in the nation. It ranks second nationally in barley production.
  
  

Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Agri-Business Council convenes agriculture industry leaders quarterly for an informational program, and also hosts Spokane Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest Farm Forum each year.