AMERICAN AGRICULTURE SPOTLIGHT: CALIFORNIA

California: Where Cities Thrive and Fields Feed the Nation 

California is often synonymous with sprawling cities, famous coastlines, and Hollywood glamour.  As the most populous state in the U.S., it’s home to major metropolitan hubs like Los Angeles, San  Francisco, and San Diego—the engines of culture, technology, and commerce. But beneath this  urban dynamism lies an often overlooked yet vital powerhouse: California is also the top  agricultural state in America, producing a staggering share of the nation’s food. 

Urban Life: The California Metropolises

Life in California’s metropolitan areas is defined by diversity, opportunity, and innovation. Los  Angeles County alone has a population exceeding 9.7 million, making it the most populous county  in the country. Silicon Valley—nestled in the broader Bay Area—is the epicenter of tech innovation,  boasting a GDP per capita rivaling the world's richest cities. Residents enjoy world-class dining,  entertainment, and a fast-paced lifestyle, but also contend with higher living costs, congestion, and  housing shortages. 

Rural California: The Heart of American Agriculture

In sharp contrast, rural California spans vast, fertile valleys and stretches of farmland. The Central  Valley, for instance, extends 450 miles and produces about a quarter of the nation’s food. Rural  communities in counties like Fresno, Tulare, and Kern are shaped by agriculture—grappling with  the rhythms of planting and harvest, and fostering a close-knit sense of community. 

The economic impact of agriculture is enormous. According to the California Department of Food  and Agriculture (CDFA), in 2022 California’s farms and ranches generated over $55 billion in cash  receipts, leading the nation by a wide margin. The state outsells its closest competitors (Iowa and  Texas) by billions annually. 

A key driver behind California’s agricultural dominance is its vibrant immigrant workforce.  Immigrants, many of whom come from Latin America and Asia, constitute a significant portion of  the state’s farm labor force, bringing expertise, resilience, and dedication to the demanding work of  planting, tending, and harvesting crops. Their efforts are crucial in producing California’s diverse  bounty, from hand-picking delicate fruits to operating advanced farm machinery. Without this  community, the state’s agricultural output—and its ability to feed the nation—would be severely  diminished. The contributions of immigrant workers not only sustain the economic health of rural  regions but also ensure a steady supply of fresh produce to California’s cities and tables across  America. 

Feeding the Nation: Benefits Beyond Borders

California’s agricultural output isn’t just high in dollar value; it’s also diverse. The state produces  over 400 different commodities, leading the country in the production of almonds, dairy, grapes,  strawberries, and tomatoes. It's responsible for nearly all of U.S. production of some crops—for  example, 99% of artichokes, 95% of celery, and 90% of leafy greens. 

This bounty reaches far beyond state lines. California supplies roughly two-thirds of the nation’s  fruits and nuts, and more than one-third of its vegetables. The state's agriculture underpins food  security, supports millions of jobs nationally (in production, transportation, processing, and retail),  and contributes to international trade. 

Contrasts and Connections

Life in rural California is fundamentally different from the urban centers—not only in pace and  culture but also in economic structure. Jobs in rural areas are tied to the cycles of agriculture rather  than high-tech industries or entertainment. Rural communities often experience lower living costs  but also face unique challenges, including access to healthcare, education, and drought-driven  economic hardships. 

Yet, these worlds are interconnected. Urban populations depend daily on the food, fiber, and jobs  generated in the fields and orchards of the rural interior. In turn, rural regions benefit from the  transportation, innovation, and investment resources concentrated in California’s cities. 

Conclusion

California’s dual identity—a state of teeming cities and thriving farmlands—might look like a  contradiction, but it’s a dynamic partnership. The state’s bustling metropolises and expansive crop  fields together shape the economy, culture, and quality of life for millions of Californians and for  countless Americans nationwide. In every strawberry, almond, and glass of milk, there's a little  flavor of California—city-sophisticated, yet country-strong. 

Population: Approximately 39 Million

Number of farms: Approximately 69,000

Number of people employed by farming: Approximately 430,000 

Top agricultural product in terms of dollars earned: Dairy products

Number one exported agricultural product: Almonds

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Approximately $3.9 Trillion

Five fun and unusual facts about California 

1. There’s a ghost town named Bodie in California that’s preserved in a state of “arrested decay,”  making it look almost exactly as it did during the Gold Rush. 

2. California is home to the world’s largest living tree by volume: General Sherman, a giant sequoia  in Sequoia National Park. 

3. The Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States. 

4. There are pink sand beaches on Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, colored by garnet minerals washing  down from nearby hills. 

5. Death Valley, California, holds the record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded on Earth:  134°F (56.7°C) in 1913.