A special project just rolled through our shop in Edison, WA – supporting the display stands of Genuine Skagit Valley members. We were excited to support the good work of Genuine Skagit Valley in our community and encourage you to learn more about their nonprofit here.
Here is an excerpt from their website that outlines the history of farming in our remarkable river delta:
“Today the Skagit Valley is supplying nearly 95% of the U.S. supply of table beet seed, 75% of the U.S. supply of spinach seed and approximately 8% of the spinach seed used throughout the world. Skagit Valley farmers are producing approximately 25% of the world’s cabbage seed and 50% of the world’s beet seed. More tulips, daffodils and iris bulbs are produced in the Skagit Valley than in any other county in the United States. Additionally, approximately 50 million cut flowers are grown in greenhouses and fields in the Skagit Valley and approximately 95% of the red potatoes grown in Washington state are from Skagit County.
In 1853 the Skagit Valley saw its first commercial crop of cultivated potatoes planted on March Point. In circa 1870 the first commercial production of oats was sent to markets in Seattle and by 1908 the Skagit Delta was producing more oats and hay per acre than any other place in the United States at the time. Skagit farmland and Skagit farmers have been supplying the region, state and world with nearly every crop imaginable for more than 150 years.
Our farms also provide environmental services like climate and flood control, water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, open space and an enhanced quality of life. Thousands of Trumpeter and Tundra swans, Snow geese, raptors, and other wild birds rely on Skagit farmland.”
photo credit Genuine Skagit
The tulip fields are about to peak throughout our valley, and now is the time to take in the breathtaking beauty of our region’s most famous crop. Visit tulipfestival.org for details and insider tips to best enjoy the final week of the festival.
photo credit Tulip Festival