Regional Agricultural Development

About Regional Agricultural Development

The Thurston Economic Development Council is leading efforts in support of agricultural business viability and towards building a more resilient regional food supply chain.

In collaboration with a broad base of private, public and non-profit partners, the Thurston EDC is working to build a vibrant agricultural economy sustained by diverse and high-value markets, access to necessary infrastructure for production, distribution and marketing, a stable working land base, a high level of consumer awareness and commitment, a compatible regulatory landscape, living wages, and access to business support services.

We are working toward growing and processing more food within our region for distribution to the people of our region and beyond.

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners held a work session on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, for a Regional Agriculture Development Update. Watch this video for an excellent overview of the ongoing agricultural development work in our region.

Regional Agricultural Development News

July 28, 2025

From Government Town to Economic Engine: The Future of Thurston County

Thurston County’s Economic Shift & the Future of Agriculture: Inside the New Innovation Park By Michael Cade, Executive Director, Thurston EDC Over the past two decades, Thurston County’s economy has […]

About the Agricultural Business Innovation Park

The Southwest Washington Regional Agricultural Business & Innovation Park will establish a business park focused on value-added food-related manufacturing, processing, storage and packaging within the City of Tenino on a 13-acre parcel.

The Park will also establish a business center that will focus on providing agriculture-related and rural development business services throughout the region. The Park itself will become an agri-tourism destination and will be promoted in a cohesive way with other north Lewis and south Thurston county attractions and as part of the Thurston County Bountiful Byway. Future phases of the Park may also include establishing research & educational components.

Learn More