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REINVENTING WALLA WALLA’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE. 2010 APA Fall Conference – Session T2 October 5, 2010. WALLA WALLA’S AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY. Geographic Setting Elevation, Blue Mountains, Soils, Water & Distance from Markets Historic Crop Production
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REINVENTING WALLA WALLA’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE 2010 APA Fall Conference – Session T2 October 5, 2010
WALLA WALLA’S AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY Geographic Setting • Elevation, Blue Mountains, Soils, Water & Distance from Markets Historic Crop Production • Wheat, onions, peas, asparagus, fruits, and other row & field crops • Wheat, apples, potatoes & cherries continue to be predominate crops • Estimated wine grape harvest value in 2008 was $6,720,000 • Asparagus, barley & green pea production has declined significantly Factors Influencing Decline of Historic Crop Production • Difficulty in storing fresh produce such as asparagus & green peas • Closure of processing plants in favor of regional facilities • Increasing transportation costs • Resulting in reduced production Conversion of Land to Vineyards • From 1 acre of commercial vineyard in 1974 to more than 1,800 acres in 2008
WINE INDUSTRY CHRONOLOGY Mid to Early Italian immigrants planted grapes in the Valley Late 1800’s 1974 Gary Figgins planted a modest acre of Cabernet Sauvignon 1977 First bonded winery (Leonetti Cellar) established 1984 Walla Walla Valley designated a unique American Viticulture Area (AVA) 1990 Modest early growth to six wineries and 100 acres of vineyards 2000 Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture Program founded 2001 The Walla Walla Wine Alliance was formed, representing over thirty wineries and 800 acres of vineyards 2008 Industry had grown to over 100 wineries and 1,800 acres of grapes.
RELATED INDUSTRIES • Mobile Crushing, Blending & Bottling • Custom Blending & Bottling • Wine Storage • Graphic Design & Printing • Website Design & Maintenance • Web Blogs • Packaging & Shipping
SPIN OFF BUSINESSES Transportation • Tour Buses • Limousine Services • Private & Charter Aircraft • Bicycle Rickshaws Lodging Accommodations • Hotels & Motels • Bed & Breakfasts • Vacation Rentals • Second Home Market Restaurants & Dining • Restaurants • Catering Services • Culinary Programs • Wine & Food Pairings Other Associated Businesses • Guided Tours • Art Galleries • Music & Entertainment • Community Events
INDUSTRY SUPPORT Primary Support • Land • Education & Labor • Finance • Infrastructure • Support Industries • Marketing Secondary Support • Retail Outlets • Transportation • Lodging & Accommodations • Restaurants & Dining • Other Tourist Activities
KEY SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS Organizations • Port of Walla Walla* • Walla Walla Community College* • Walla Walla Wine Alliance • Walla Walla Downtown Foundation*, Tourism Walla Walla & Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce Role(s) Land & infrastructure Education & Labor Marketing Secondary Support