The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit that cheerleads restaurants, foods, and the chefs on a whole 'nother level. The awards they present are very prestigious and celebrated by those who seek to win an award, themselves.
Think of it like the Oscars for chefs and restaurants...
If you've ever been interested in touring a grow farm, call one of many in the Yakima valley and you might be able to toke and tour...I'm not sure if that's a thing yet but I call dibs!