Consumers' growing appetite for hummus means Palouse farmers are growing more chickpeas.

The chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are made into the hummus paste that is eaten as a dip or sandwich spread.

The USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council says chickpea production in Washington has grown from 10,000 acres in 2000 to 80,000 acres now. Washington farmers produce nearly half of the nation's chickpeas, and Idaho produces more than a third.

Walla Walla farmer Greg Ferrel says one problem in growing chickpeas is they attract deer and elk who also consider them a tasty treat.

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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com