"After rounds of government hearings and millions of dollars spent on research, the two sides are in an increasingly bitter standoff."

The Northwest is the main growing area for chickpeas, the basis for this healthy food. Other states are trying to get into the craze.

"In some cases, the goal is to connect restaurants with food purveyors, or to create on-demand delivery services from local farms, or ready-to-cook dinner kits. In others, the goal is to invent new foods, like creating cheese, meat and egg substitutes from plants. Since this is Silicon Valley money, though, the ultimate goal is often nothing short of grand: transforming the food industry."