Washington's farms and ranches reached a record value of production for crops and livestock in 2008. Agriculture accounts for more than 12 percent of our state's economic production. Washington State leads the nation in the production of 11 commodities, including apples, pears, sweet cherries, red raspberries, and hops. Agriculture is Washington State's number-one employer, providing jobs for nearly 250,000 workers. While these statistics remind us that Washington State's farmers are providing jobs for our residents as well as the highest quality food for the world, farmers are hindered by an extreme and chronic labor shortage. Most American workers are either unable or unwilling to perform agricultural jobs.
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