Not only is the land extremely fertile, it is enhanced by a vast irrigation network whose source is the Columbia River. Agricultural production is diverse.
Agriculture is the largest employer in the region.
In addition to this, agriculture is the force behind several other industries including food processing, trucking and warehousing, and wholesale trade. Taken together, these industries employ 43 percent of the area's workers. It is difficult to overestimate the impact of farming on the area. The area has an excellent infrastructure for the farming community, as well as for other industries. Aside from the irrigation system, there is an extensive network of state highways as well as Interstate 90 which cuts through the counties.