Potatoes in Washington: A bounty from the Evergreen State

Daniel Schafer
Communications

Washington state has gained recognition not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its significant contributions to agriculture. Among the many highly-successful crops grown in Washington, potatoes are especially beloved. With an ideal combination of temperate climate, fertile soil, and skilled growers, the state has become a leader in potato production, supplying not only its own residents but also a substantial portion of the nation. In this blog, we’ll explore why potatoes are so important to the state's agricultural landscape. 

A perfect growing environment 

It's no secret that Washington state boasts an enviable climate and geographical diversity. This diversity translates into distinct growing regions, with eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley emerging as primary potato-producing areas. The state's climate, with its mild temperatures and ample sunlight, provides an extended growing season — a critical factor in achieving high yields. Coupled with fertile volcanic soil and an abundant water supply, these conditions create an optimal environment for potato crops. 

Washington State Potato Commission

Formed in 1982, the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) was originally created to negotiate better freight and rail rates with distributors. Today, they finance one of the largest potato research programs in the country investing more than $500,000 annually in projects that are performed in conjunction with universities, the USDA, and private contractors.  

Washington's commitment to excellence is evident in its potato yield per acre, which stands at a staggering 30 tons — double the national average — according to the WSPC. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of the state's farmers and their mastery of potato cultivation techniques.  

Production and distribution

With around 300 commercial potato growers, Washington is at the forefront of potato production in the United States. Together, these growers cultivate over 160,000 acres of land annually.  

Ninety percent of Washington potatoes are processed, mostly into frozen french fries, with many going to overseas markets. Japan, South Korea, and Mexico purchase approximately 70% of the french fries made from exported Washington potatoes every year generating around $969 million. 

The state's prominence in the industry is further underscored by its role as the source of 20 percent of all U.S. potatoes — making Washington the number two potato producer in the country, behind Idaho — a remarkable contribution to the nation's food supply. With more irrigation canals, Washington could easily slide into the top spot. 

A staple in every household 

Potatoes are more than just an agricultural commodity; they're a staple in kitchens across the state and the country. From the classic mashed potatoes to the ever-popular french fries, this versatile tuber has secured its place in the hearts and plates of Washingtonians. Beyond the kitchen, the potato industry also plays a significant role in the state's economy, providing jobs, supporting local communities, and contributing to a thriving agricultural sector. 

Washington loves potatoes 

Washington’s potato growers are proud of the high standards they’ve set for growing perfect potatoes. They’ve been recognized with national awards and for using environmentally friendly techniques like the efficient use of water and fertilizers. Washington potato farmers are also pioneers in adopting sustainable crop management and techniques. 

The next time you enjoy a plate of delicious potatoes, remember that you're savoring a piece of the remarkable story that is Washington's agricultural legacy. 

 

Washington's blueberry bounty: A true taste of northwest delight

Daniel Schafer
Communications

When it comes to blueberries, Washington state can take a bow. That’s because our state is the #1
producer of blueberries in the world. In this blog, we’ll unpack why Washington provides such a favorable growing environment for blueberries, as well as what it means of all Washingtonians. 

Washington is a global blueberry leader

It's no understatement to say that the United States dominates the blueberry market — we grow far more blueberries than any other country — and Washington and Oregon are responsible for the vast majority of them. In 2021, Washington’s farmers produced an astounding 180 million pounds of these plump, juicy fruits, while Oregon pitched in with 150 million pounds. This significant production volume not only satisfies domestic demand but also supplies blueberries to consumers around the world, establishing Washington as a blueberry powerhouse. 

So Washington produces a ton of blueberries (actually, it’s more like 90,000 tons each year, but you know what we mean). What’s that mean for the folks who live in and visit our state? 

U-pick blueberry farms: A family-friendly tradition 

For residents and visitors alike, summertime in Washington means heading to the picturesque U-pick blueberry farms scattered throughout the state. These farms offer a unique and enjoyable experience, allowing families to immerse themselves in the beauty of the countryside while harvesting the freshest blueberries directly from the bush. If you’d like to pick blueberries at a local farm, check out this handy tool from the Washington Blueberry Commission. 

The tradition of U-pick farms fosters a sense of community while giving visitors a chance to appreciate the hard work and dedication of local farmers. What’s more, blueberries are just great. It’s hard to choose between eating them fresh, freezing them to enjoy during the winter (just rinse them off and store them in a plastic bag in your freezer), or baking them into tasty treats like muffins or scones. The good news is you don’t have to choose. Why not try all three? 

A blooming business: Growing blueberries in Washington 

Thanks to Washington's diverse geography, blueberries thrive in both western and eastern regions. Western Washington claims 55% of the state's blueberry production, while the remaining 45% of blueberries flourish in the sun-kissed lands of eastern Washington. 

Blueberries require slightly acidic and damp yet well-drained soil to thrive, which makes many parts of Washington an ideal environment for home gardeners to grow their own. If you have access to a few square feet of garden, you can nurture blueberries too. There’s nothing quite like caring for a blueberry bush that responds by providing fresh berries. 

Blueberry season is now!

Whether you choose to pick your own berries at a U-pick farm, enjoy locally grown blueberries from markets, or cultivate them in your backyard, Washington's blueberries promise an unparalleled taste of northwest delight. 

So, as summer rolls on, embrace the blueberry season, relish in their sweet flavor, and take pride in knowing that each berry you enjoy is a product of the state's dedication to agricultural excellence. Whether they're topping your morning cereal or making their way into luscious pies, Washington's blueberries are a symbol of Washington's agriculture and community.

Correction: A previous version of this blog incorrectly stated that the United States grows the majority of blueberries produced in the world. The U.S. in fact produces more blueberries than any other country, but it is not a majority of the global total.

Washington's hidden gem: The bountiful allure of garlic

Daniel Schafer
Communications

When people think about the verdant landscapes of Washington state and the crops that grow across them, they may think first of apples, cherries, or wheat. But Washington is also home to many other crops. Nestled within the fertile fields and farms, an aromatic and flavorful crop thrives, capturing the hearts of chefs, home cooks, and farmers alike — the humble yet extraordinary garlic.

Garlic, an ancient culinary treasure, is a flavorful addition to many dishes and a vital crop that contributes to the diversity and sustainability of agriculture in the Evergreen State. In fact, Washington state is a national leader in this regard as it ranks fourth in the nation in garlic production.

Despite its modest appearance, garlic boasts an impressive history and a broad spectrum of varieties that cater to an array of tastes and culinary preferences. With origins tracing back to Central Asia over 5,000 years ago, garlic's journey took it across continents, enriching the culinary cultures of numerous civilizations along the way. Today, Washington farmers continue this legacy, cultivating different garlic varieties, each with its unique flavor profile and growing requirements.

Bring garlic into your kitchen

In the diverse microclimates of Washington, a variety of garlic cultivars thrive, including softneck and hardneck varieties. The softneck varieties, known for their pliable stems and abundant cloves, dominate the market, while the hardneck types, characterized by their woody central stem and complex flavor, attract gourmands and connoisseurs. Whether it's the pungent and spicy Rocambole, the mild and versatile Silverskin, or the robust and bold Purple Stripe, each garlic cultivar carries its charm to complement an array of culinary delights.

The benefits of garlic extend beyond the farm and into the kitchen, where it adds a delightful punch to countless dishes. From sautéed vegetables and creamy pasta sauces to hearty soups and marinades, garlic's versatility knows no bounds. Chefs and home cooks alike treasure the potent and savory flavor garlic lends to their creations, making it an essential pantry staple.

Health benefits

Beyond being an essential ingredient for many dishes, garlic has a wide variety of positive health effects. Whether it is increasing your body’s immunity or decreasing inflammation, numerous studies have shown the benefits of garlic beyond the palate.

Garlic is typically harvested in Washington during June and July, so now is the perfect time to try a new recipe in your kitchen. 

Balancing science and practice for Washington’s soil health

Kim Vaughn
Communications

In recent years, the urgency of addressing climate change has brought soil carbon management to the forefront of public interest in Washington state. The focus on regenerative farming, climate-smart agriculture, and natural climate solutions has opened up new opportunities for soil scientists and growers to explore innovative approaches to building soil carbon. However, the complexity of soil carbon formation and the context-dependent nature of its response to management pose challenges for decision makers in creating science-informed policies and programs. In this blog post, we will discuss the key findings from recent studies that shed light on soil management and farming practices in Washington state.

Science-informed soil carbon policies in Washington and beyond

In a recent review article published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Dani Gelardi, Senior Soil Scientist at Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and colleagues highlight the importance of diverse approaches in building and preserving soil carbon. 

The article summarizes current soil carbon science and assesses ten strategies currently being deployed in the United States, such as soil health initiatives, research networks, direct incentive payments, carbon markets, and crop insurance reform. The authors go on to advocate for a multi-pronged policy approach that leverages the strengths and expertise of diverse stakeholders. While Gelardi and colleagues focus on increasing soil carbon storage, they also emphasize that soils offer numerous valuable services beyond climate change mitigation, which are essential for climate change adaptation.

2019 sees dip in revenues for Washington crops with onions joining the Top 10

Hector Castro
WSDA Communications

Washington’s agricultural production dipped slightly in 2019 to $9.49 billion, down 2 percent from the previous year, according to the annual value of Washington agriculture production report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agriculture Statistics Service (USDA-NASS).

The Value of Washington’s 2019 Agricultural Production announcement was released this week. Among notable developments, a two percent increase in the value of onion production boosted it into the top ten, with a value of $181 million in 2019.

“Onions have always been right on the cusp of the Top 10, they’ve usually been in that 11th through 14th range for some time,” said Dennis Koong, deputy director of the USDA-NASS Northwest Regional Field Office. 

Apples remained Washington’s leading agriculture commodity, despite an 8 percent decrease in production value, followed by milk, which was up 13 percent from the previous year, and potatoes, which saw an increase of 19 percent. 

No data is yet available on how production has fared during 2020 and the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. All figures in this week’s report are for 2019. Also, USDA-NASS does not include data on marijuana production, as it is not a federally recognized agriculture crop. 

The 2019 Washington State Top Ten list of agriculture commodities 

1. Apples -- $1.95 billion
   
2. Milk -- $1.28 billion
3. Potatoes -- $934 million
4. Wheat, all -- $792.5 million
5. Cattle and Calves -- $698.7 million
6. Hops -- $475.6 million
7. Hay, all -- $$468 million
8. Cherries, sweet -- $393.5 million
9. Grapes, all -- $308 million
10. Onions, all -- $180.5 million

Several crops that did not make the top 10 list still had good years in 2019. These included blueberries, which reached a record high value of $153 million in 2019, a 10 percent increase from the previous year, barley, with a 39 percent increase in value of $29.9 million in 2019, and canola which, at $22.3 million, saw a fourth consecutive year of increasing values.

The USDA-NASS report also lists commodities that Washington leads the nation in growing, including hops, spearmint oil, apples, sweet cherries, pears and cultivated blueberries.

Visit www.nass.usda.gov for more agriculture statistics.