Agriculture is big business in the Walla Walla Valley.

In 1818, the Northwest Company built Fort Nez Perce at the mouth of the Walla Walla River. It is thought that the area’s first crop, potatoes, was planted there in 1825.

Today, Walla Walla County’s farm industry has grown and diversified to meet the needs of changing market demands and public appetities.

While most agricutural acres are still devoted to wheat, an increasing interest in grapes for wine and juice has resulted in a growing number of vineyards. Other important crops include alfalfa for seed, apples, asparagus, barley, canola, carrots, cherries, corn, garbanzo beans, green peas, hay, mustard, potatoes, poplar trees, regular onions, spinach and the famous Walla Walla Sweets.