Washington Agriculture in the Classroom

kids and teacher in classroom
Washington Agriculture in the Classroom is a school-based education program aimed at enhancing agricultural literacy in K-12 students and educators.
apples growing on tree
Apples
Washington's highest dollar crop is apples. This state produces 66% of all the apples in the nation at a farmgate value of $2.43 billion.
Holstein dairy cow grazing
Dairy
Milk is the second most valuable agricultural commodity, followed by wheat, potatoes, hay, and cattle and calves.
raspberries growing on vine
Raspberries
33% of all US raspberries are grown in Washington.
kid in garden
Washington ranks 11th in the nation in terms of total agricultural cash receipts, but is second only to California in the diversity of crops grown (about 230 different ones).
spearmint growing
Spearmint
Washington produces 68% of all spearmint in the nation.
pears growing
Pears
Washington produces 43% of all pears in the nation.
child looking at a globe
AITC offers lesson plans and materials related to social studies, science, math, language arts, and geography.
sweet cherries growing
Sweet Cherries
Washington produces 60% of all sweet cherries in the nation.
grapes growing on vine
Grapes
Washington produces 42% of all concord grapes in the nation.
potatoes being dug out of the soil
Potatoes
Washington potato growers have the highest yield per acre in the US, producing nearly twice as many potatoes per acre as Idaho.

The Newest Ag@School


three ag@school front covers

What's New?

Agriculture is the world's oldest, largest, and most essential industry. Yet, in America's urban society, 90% of the population has little contact with the systems that determine our general welfare and standard of living. Washington Ag In the Classroom strives to bridge this gap.

Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix

The Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix is an online, searchable, and standards-based curriculum map for K-12 teachers. The Matrix contextualizes national education standards in science, social studies, and nutrition education with relevant instructional resources linked to Common Core Standards.

What is Washington Ag in the Classroom?

Washington Ag In the Classroom (WAIC) is a school-based education program aimed at enhancing agricultural literacy in K-12 students and educators. It is not a vocational agriculture program and does not promote products or political points of view. WAIC's goal is helping teachers, especially those with little knowledge of agriculture, integrate the study of this vast industry into existing curriculum.

Why Learn About Agriculture?

Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. Agriscience, agribusiness, and production agriculture form the largest industry in America. Environmental issues such as land use, water quality, air quality, and wildlife protection are inextricably linked to agriculture. As future leaders, students must have an understanding of agriculture and how it affects their world.

© 2025, Washington Agriculture in the Classroom