Fresno County Dec 22

Mike Stephens

News Reporter

Fresno County Retains Top Ag Title for the Third Straight Year

Overall, the 2020 agricultural production value in Fresno County totaled $7.98 billion, an increase of $222.09 million or 2.86% above 2019’s total.

“Fresno County is the food capital of the nation, for the 2020 crop report showcased the many reasons why,” said Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen. “While 2020 was a year that will always be remembered for its shuttered markets, significant price fluctuations, supply chain complications and workforce challenges, our agricultural community pulled together to continue to feed and clothe people both near and far.”

The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the local agricultural community many traditional methods of getting food to markets were shut down. The American economy was slowed overnight like few times in history. Consumers raced to grocery stores, supermarkets and online to buy food and other supplies. Shelves were emptied due to logistical issues moving product. Even during these tumultuous times, the American farmer and rancher continued doing what they do best…growing a cornucopia of food and fiber.

“California grows more than a third of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of the country's fruits and nuts, with a majority of that coming from right here in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Jacobsen.

In total, California holds seven of the nation's top 10 agricultural counties, including Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Monterey, Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin.