*Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture Snapshot (2026)

Contact us

Want to  begin or grow exports?

Contact Karl Dahlgren
International Trade Specialist

Want to grow or locate your business in Washington State?

Contact Sarah Wilcox
Business Development Manager

Want to engage with industry and  address economy policy?

Our email: Choosewashington@commerce.wa.gov

Innovation helps Washington growers make better use of limited resources while maintaining the quality and productivity needed to compete in global markets. Precision irrigation, sensors, data analytics and automated systems help growers apply water and other inputs when and where they are needed.

These technologies also help producers respond to workforce challenges, changing growing conditions and emerging pests and diseases. Beyond the farm, Washington’s clean electricity supports lower-carbon food processing and manufacturing.

nWashington’s agricultural innovation ecosystem connects researchers, growers, entrepreneurs and technology companies with organizations and programs that help develop, test and bring new ideas to market. From university-led research and industry partnerships to accelerators and business-development resources, these connections help move innovation from concept to commercial application.

• AgAID Institute — WSU-led research institute bringing artificial intelligence and agriculture together to advance technology innovation and knowledge transfer. 
• FIRA USA — AgTech and agricultural robotics event connecting growers, technology developers, researchers and investors through demonstrations, workshops and matchmaking. Its 2026 event is in Yakima.
• Pacific Northwest Ag Innovation Cluster — Regional innovation cluster supporting farmer-led agricultural innovation and economic development throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Northwest Agriculture Business Center — Provides business development, market development, access-to-capital and other technical assistance to agricultural producers and value-added businesses in northwest Washington.
• Commodity commissions — Connect with the 21 agricultural commodity commissions that are engaged primarily in marketing and/or research. 
• Washington State Department of Agriculture — WSDA has been serving agriculture and the public for more than 100 years, focusing on three key areas: service, regulation and advocacy of our state’s agricultural industry. 

Washington’s agricultural innovation ecosystem extends from the field to the consumer. Food and beverage manufacturers, researchers and technology companies are advancing food safety, processing, packaging, storage and cold-chain technologies that protect product quality, reduce waste and help Washington products reach markets around the world.

• Food safety technologies that improve monitoring, traceability and quality control
• Advanced processing and automation that increase efficiency and productivity
• Packaging and storage innovations that protect quality and extend shelf life
• Cold-chain technologies that help fresh and processed foods move efficiently from producer to customer

Washington’s agricultural industry draws from one of the nation’s most innovative workforces, bringing agriculture together with engineering, software, data science, robotics and food science.

• Washington State University Extension serves communities in all 39 counties, connecting research and expertise with growers and agricultural businesses.
• Four specialized WSU Research and Extension Centers and 10 WSU research farms support research across Washington’s diverse growing regions.
• Education and training pathways connect students and workers with careers in AgTech, food systems, agricultural business and crop management.
• Cross-industry expertise in software, artificial intelligence, engineering and advanced manufacturing brings new technologies and ideas to agriculture and food manufacturing.

Washington connects agricultural producers and food manufacturers to markets around the world. Deep-water ports, major rail and highway networks and air cargo infrastructure help move fresh and processed foods efficiently from producer to customer.

• $7.8 billion in Washington-grown and processed food is exported worldwide.
• Washington’s 75 public port districts span 33 of the state’s 39 counties, representing the largest public port system in the world. These districts support trade and economic development through marine terminals, airports, railroads and industrial facilities.
• Deep-water ports provide direct access to major international markets.
• Air, rail and highway networks connect Washington producers and manufacturers with customers across the U.S. and around the world.

Washington supports agricultural innovation and food manufacturing with programs designed to reduce operating costs and encourage investment.

• Business incentives are available for qualifying dairy products, seafood, and fresh fruit and vegetable processing.
• Additional programs support qualifying manufacturers and investments in machinery, equipment and facilities.
• Commerce business development specialists help companies navigate site selection, expansion and other opportunities in Washington.

Learn more by visiting our Choose Washington incentives page. Contact our Business Development Manager, Sarah Wilcox, for specific details and the latest up-to-date incentives information.