Why Dayton?

The citizens of Dayton and Columbia County, Washington value the pristine environment of their region, their history of entrepreneurialism and their food industry heritage. The Highway 12 corridor connecting Dayton to Walla Walla and Waitsburg passes through one of the most exciting wine & food regions in the Pacific Northwest. Walla Walla is known for its wines.

Dayton’s reputation as a foodie destination!

• The Walla Walla Valley is a world-class wine-producing region that’s home to over 100 wineries.
• Dayton is within close proximity to Washington’s major organic growing regions.
• Dayton is strategically located within a two-hour drive of three excellent agricultural / food science research and education institutions: Washington State University, the University of Idaho and Walla Walla Community College.

Why Washington?

Washington State is an organic pioneer!

• Washington leads the nation in organic apples, pears, cherries, sweet corn and peas.
• Washington State University created the first organic farming degree and online certificate in organic agriculture program in the United States.
• Washington is #2 in the U.S. for organic product farmgate sales value.

In agricultural production, Washington is #2 in the United States for the diversity of crops grown (230+), including:

• #1 Producer of red raspberries, hops, wrinkled seed peas, spearmint & peppermint oil, apples, sweet cherries, Concord grapes, plums/prunes and processing carrots
• #2 Producer of processing sweet corn, Niagara grapes, asparagus, potatoes, processing green peas and apricots
• #3 Producer of lentils, dry onions, dry edible peas and tart cherries
• #4 Producer of blueberries and barley
• #5 Producer of peaches, cranberries and strawberries

Source: WSDA International Marketing