The Southern Coastlands: On The Subtropical Margin

Our text reads, "Southern Coastlands farmers produce crops that are grown in few other parts of the United States and Canada. Citrus fruits, rice and sugarcane are the region's most important specialty crops." For seattle fruits are one of their top five commodities. Agriculture is successful in Seatlle because of its abundance in precipitation which helps grow crops.

"Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most productive growing regions in the world. The state's deep-water ports and its proximity to important Asian markets also provide natural advantages from Agricultural trade. The states $35 billion food and agriculture industry employs 160,000 people and contributes 11% to the state's economy. Nearly $11 billion in food and agricultual products were exported through Wasshington Ports in 2009, the third largest total in the U.S." Seattle has a good grip on Agricultural resources and it has programs to preserve the agricultural practices as well. For example, "A long history of progressive action in the state of Washington such as farmlands preservation and the designation of Agricultural production districts have helped shape an environment that supports agriculture in Seattle. Additionally, King County has helped build this environment with actions such as the 1995 creation of an Agricultural commission and the development of the Farm and Forest report, which led to the creation of Puget Sound Fresh and FarmLink.

"Agricultural use means a business establlishment in which crops are raised or animals are reared or kept, but not including animal shelters and kennels. Agriculltural uses include animal husbandry uses such as poultry farms and rabbitries, aquaculture uses such as fish farms and shellfish beds, and horticulture uses such as nurseries and orchards."

Five Fun Facts of Agriculture in Seattle

1. The top five Agricultural commodities in Washington are apples, milk, potatoes, wheat and cattle.

2. Washington ranks first in the U.S. for production of 10 crops, including apples, sweet cherries, pears, red raspberries and hops.

3. More than 20 percent of Washington farms are operated by women.

4. Washington's $38 billion food and agricultural industry contributes 12% to the Evergreenns state's econommy and employs 160,000 people.

5. Washington is the secons-largest producer of premium wines in the U.S.



Text Sources: Textbook, http://Chicagofoodpolicy.org/Urban%20Agriculture%20in%20seattle%20policy%20and%20Barrierspdf., http://agr.wa.gov/?AgInWA/
Picture Source: http://www.okcareertech.org/stem/preengineering/083p0406ll.jpg