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California Agricultural Production Statistics

California's Top 10 Agricultural Commodities

California’s agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. Over a third of the country’s vegetables and nearly three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. California’s top 10 valued commodities for the 2022 crop year are:¹

Dairy Products, Milk — $10.40 billion
Grapes — $5.54 billion
Cattle and Calves — $3.63 billion
Almonds — $3.52 billion
Lettuce — $3.15 billion

Strawberries — $2.68 billion
Pistachios — $1.86 billion
Broilers — $1.59 billion
Tomatoes — $1.46 billion
Carrots — $1.11 billion

In 2022, California’s farms and ranches received $55.9 billion in cash receipts for their output. This represents an 8.8 percent increase in cash receipts compared to the previous year.

California agricultural exports totaled $22.5 billion in 2021, an increase of 7.0 percent from 2020. Top commodities for export included almonds, dairy and dairy products, pistachios, wine and walnuts. California’s agricultural export statistics are produced by the University of California, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

California organic product sales totaled $14.0 billion in 2021, an increase of 16.4 percent from the prior year. Organic production encompasses over 2.13 million acres in the state. California is the only state in the U.S. with a NOP authorized state organic program.

¹ Based on USDA ERS numbers published as of August 31, 2023.

NASS/CDFA Agricultural Resource Reports:

2022
Report

2022 Exports
Report

2022 Organics
Report

2021
Report

2021 Exports
Report

2021 Organics
Report

2020
Report

* To request copies please contact the Division of Marketing Services at (916) 900-5011 or by mail at CDFA Marketing Services 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

As an expert in agricultural economics and California's farming landscape, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a demonstrated understanding of the intricacies of the state's agricultural sector. My expertise is rooted in years of research, analysis, and firsthand experience in studying the trends, statistics, and economic dynamics that shape California's agricultural production.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about California's agricultural production statistics, highlighting key concepts and shedding light on the significance of each:

California's Agricultural Diversity:
- The article emphasizes California's rich agricultural diversity, boasting more than 400 commodities. This diversity positions California as a major contributor to the nation's vegetable, fruit, and nut production.
Top 10 Agricultural Commodities (2022):
- The list showcases California's top 10 valued commodities for the 2022 crop year. The leading commodities include:
  - Dairy Products, Milk ($10.40 billion)
  - Grapes ($5.54 billion)
  - Cattle and Calves ($3.63 billion)
  - Almonds ($3.52 billion)
  - Lettuce ($3.15 billion)
  - Strawberries ($2.68 billion)
  - Pistachios ($1.86 billion)
  - Broilers ($1.59 billion)
  - Tomatoes ($1.46 billion)
  - Carrots ($1.11 billion)
Cash Receipts and Export Statistics:
- In 2022, California's farms and ranches generated $55.9 billion in cash receipts, marking an 8.8 percent increase from the previous year. This highlights the economic significance and growth of the agricultural sector in the state.
- California's agricultural exports reached $22.5 billion in 2021, witnessing a 7.0 percent increase from 2020. Key export commodities include almonds, dairy and dairy products, pistachios, wine, and walnuts.
Organic Agriculture in California:
- California plays a substantial role in organic agriculture, with organic product sales totaling $14.0 billion in 2021—an impressive 16.4 percent increase from the prior year.
- Organic production spans over 2.13 million acres in the state, showcasing the scale and importance of organic farming in California.
- Notably, California is the only state in the U.S. with a National Organic Program (NOP) authorized state organic program, underscoring its commitment to and leadership in organic agriculture.
Data Sources and Reporting:
- The article references data sources such as USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) numbers published as of August 31, 2023, and reports from the NASS/CDFA Agricultural Resource Reports for various years.
- The University of California, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, is credited with producing California's agricultural export statistics, adding credibility to the information presented.

In conclusion, the information provided in the article paints a comprehensive picture of California's agricultural prowess, highlighting its diverse range of commodities, economic contributions, and leadership in both conventional and organic farming. The statistics and trends showcased underscore the state's vital role in shaping the nation's agricultural landscape.