California’s $61 Billion Harvest Shows Its Global Strength

A recent report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service highlights the importance of California agriculture across the nation and around the world. The state’s farms and ranches brought in $61.2 billion in cash receipts for 2024, a 3.6 percent increase from the previous year. With more than 400 commodities, California produces nearly half of the nation’s vegetables and over three-quarters of its fruits and nuts.

Dairy products led the way at $8.61 billion, followed by almonds, grapes, cattle and calves, and lettuce. Also in the top ten: strawberries, pistachios, tomatoes, carrots, and broilers.

On the global front, exports totaled $22.4 billion in 2023, a 5.9 percent drop from 2022. Top exports included almonds, pistachios, dairy, wine, and walnuts.

California also leads in organic agriculture. Sales rose 21.7 percent since 2019 to reach $11.8 billion in 2023, with 1.78 million acres certified under the nation’s only state-run organic program.