Organic Food Processing Industrial Park Announced

DAYTON, Wash.—The city of Dayton, Wash., will be the home of first U.S. eco-industrial park targeting organic and artisan food processing companies. The Port of Columbia developed the plan under its economic development jurisdiction in South Central Washington, with grant funding provided in part by Washington state. Jennie Dickinson, manager, Port of Columbia, said the park, named Blue Mountain Station, was created to further economic development in the area, working with specialists in a number of disciplines to develop a fully integrated certified organic food chain. In addition, the park will provide professional assistance to small farmers and processors not currently certified organic, but interested in transitioning to organic production; further, the companies can participate in local, regional, national and international marketing programs.

“Blue Mountain Station creates a new model in industrial park development,” Dickinson said. “We believe that organic food processing is the right industry, Dayton is the right place and now is the right time.”