19 California Agriculture Facts: Know What Grows In The State
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California has the largest and most varied economy of all the states, with the greatest economic output.
California would be approximately ninth in the world in terms of the value of products and services produced if it were a nation. California has the highest agricultural income of any state.
Food crops account for around 73% of the state's agriculture earnings, while animal goods account for the remaining 27%.
Grapes, almonds, strawberries, oranges, and walnuts are among the food grown.
California's most valued goods include milk products, cattle and livestock, and chicken eggs.
After Texas, California farms are the second-largest producer of animal products.
California's commercial fishing industry takes first place with 840 mi (1,352 km) of coastline.
California's agricultural bounty encompasses almost 400 different products.
California farms produce more than a third of the nation's vegetable produce and two-thirds of the nation's fruits and nuts.
California's farmers and ranchers will get $49.1 billion in receipts for their produce in 2020.
Almonds, pistachios, milk and dairy products, wine, and walnuts were among the top exports from California.
California has roughly 2.5 million acres (1 million ha) of land for organic cultivation and is also the first and only state in the USA to have received a USDA National Organic Program.
There are at least four factors that contribute to California's agriculture economy's success.
California's agriculture and poultry industries are known for their natural resources, market access, hardworking labor force, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Continue reading to learn some more interesting California agriculture facts. After reading these facts about California's agriculture, you may also look at other fun fact articles on agriculture for kids and Arizona agriculture facts.
The Importance Of Agriculture In California
California is the agricultural economy of the United States, with a market value of $42.6 billion in agricultural goods sold.
California leads the country with nearly 25.6 million acres (10.4 million ha) dedicated to varied agricultural production.
Farms and ranches in California have the most Asian farmers in the United States, and many of the farmers there are ethnically Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino.
In California, there are more than 40,000 women who farm.
Because of California's mild temperature, many food crops may be grown all year, making the Golden State's agricultural production vital to the United States and the rest of the globe.
California's image is boosted by the quantity and variety of agricultural and dairy goods cultivated there, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, wine grapes, almonds, and cereals.
California leads the nation in the production of over 77 distinct agricultural commodities.
California has eight of the top 10 agricultural producing counties in the country, in addition to varied agriculture with 350 farming and animal commodities.
Some counties in California producing milk and other dairy products are Fresno, Tulare, and Kern.
Agriculture employs roughly 7% of the state's workforce and 25% of the Central Valley's workforce, counting both internal and external sources of employment.
Agriculture-related occupations are in great demand, with each $1 billion in exports generating 27,000 jobs.
Unique Features Of California's Agriculture
Because of its unique characteristics, California's Central Valley is the only area in the country that can grow the bulk of the country's permanent crops.
The majority of California enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hotter, drier summers and colder, rainier winters.
Mediterranean conditions provide the majority of the world's exportable supply of almonds, walnuts, and far more than half of the world's citrus fruits, grapes, and pistachios.
In the summer, Mediterranean climates are hot and dry, and they get the majority of their yearly precipitation in the winter.
In California, there are approximately 9 million acres (3.6 million ha) irrigated, with one-third cultivated to permanent crops.
California's agricultural advantages are bolstered by developed transportation and water facilities, the location of major ports, and a large human resource pool.
California's Main Crops
California is a widely diverse agricultural state, thanks to its mild temperature and rich soil.
California produces more than a third of all vegetables in the United States, as well as two-thirds of all fruits and nuts.
The climate and soil in California are ideal for cultivating wine grapes and table grapes.
California produces 99 percent of the nation's table grapes, while wine grapes are produced in 49 of the state's 58 counties, making it the world's fourth-largest wine producer.
California was named the world's greatest almond grower in 2014, supplying more than 82 percent of the world's almonds.
California produces 99 percent of the country's pistachios, making it the state's fifth-largest product.
California yields the most amount of strawberries in the whole of the United States of America.
California generates over 80% of the oranges consumed in the United States and sells to 16 nations worldwide.
Lettuce is said to be one of the earliest vegetables introduced to the New World by Christopher Columbus, and California produces more than 90% of the lettuce consumed in the United States.
The moderate Mediterranean climate of California is also good for growing tomatoes.
California produces about half of all processed tomato products in the United States and nearly all of them in the globe.
What are the other main crops grown in California?
Grapes, almonds, strawberries, oranges, and walnuts are among the crops grown.
Apricots, figs, nectarines, olives, prunes, and even walnuts are all grown organically in the farms of California.
Almonds continue to be the most valued California agricultural export product, with approximately $4.5 billion in international sales in 2017.
California is fifth in the world in terms of the production of food, cotton fiber, and other agricultural products.
Avocados, grapes, lemons, melons, clingstone peaches, dried plums, and strawberries are among the fruits grown there.
The artichoke was named the state's official vegetable of California on April 10, 2013.
Nearly all of the country's artichoke production is cultivated in California, with Castroville, CA, and its neighboring areas producing 80% of the fresh vegetable.
The almond, walnut, pistachio, and pecan are the official state nuts of California since it is such a significant nut-growing region.
California crops utilized an average of 2.97 acres (0.4 ha) of freshwater per hectare that year.
California provides a large percentage of fruits, vegetables, and nuts consumed in the United States.
California's lemon yields, for instance, are more than 50% greater than Arizona's.
The average yield per acre in California is 60% greater than the nationwide average.
California's leading five agricultural products in regards to income are dairy, greenhouse products, grapes, almonds, and cattle and livestock.
Head lettuce and tomatoes are the major vegetable crops farmed in the state.
Hay, sweet rice, corn, and wheat are all extensively produced on farms and ranches of California.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for California agriculture facts, then why not take a look at Brazil agriculture facts or Florida agriculture facts?
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Bachelor of Business Administration
Shagun DhanukaBachelor of Business Administration
With a Degree in Business Administration, Shagun is an avid writer with a passion for food, fashion, and travel, which she explores on her blog. Her love of literature has led her to become a member of a literary society, where she contributes to promoting literary festivals in her role as head of marketing for her college. Shagun also pursues learning the Spanish language in her free time.
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