Fresno County has solidified its position as the leading agricultural county in the United States, with farms achieving a record production value of $9.03 billion in 2024. This figure marks a nearly 6% increase from the previous year, underscoring the vital role of agriculture in the local economy. On November 4, 2024, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors received the annual Crop and Livestock Report from Agricultural Commissioner Melissa Cregan, which highlighted both production data and broader economic impacts.
The economic footprint of agriculture in Fresno County extends significantly beyond direct sales. According to the new economic impact report presented by Cregan, agriculture contributed a staggering $21.66 billion to the county’s economy in the 2023 crop year. This sector directly supported 63,103 jobs, with an additional nearly 45,000 jobs created through multiplier effects, bringing the total to approximately 108,034 jobs, or one in nine jobs in the county.
Key Commodities and Agricultural Trends
Fresno County’s agricultural landscape is diverse, with farmers cultivating over 300 different crops across 1.88 million acres. In a notable shift, almonds regained their status as the county’s top agricultural commodity in 2024, recording a gross value of $1.45 billion. This represents a 43% increase compared to the previous year, despite a 6% decrease in harvested acreage.
Grapes, which previously held the second spot, experienced a decline in value to $1.04 billion, down from $1.27 billion. The acreage dedicated to grapes also fell by 8%. The third-leading commodity, pistachios, reported a gross value of $857.3 million, reflecting a 5% decrease from 2023.
While the large production figures are promising, local farmers caution that these represent gross returns rather than actual profits. Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Farm Bureau, emphasized the challenges faced by farmers, stating, “The past four years have been extraordinarily difficult for most local farmers due to a combination of stressors, including lower-than-average market prices, rising input costs, higher interest rates, and more.”
Importance of Farmworkers to the Economy
This year’s report also placed a strong emphasis on the role of farmworkers in maintaining Fresno County’s agricultural success. Titled “California Farmworkers: A Vital Contribution to the State’s Economy and How We Feed the World,” the report highlights the essential nature of seasonal labor in crucial farming sectors, including row crops, grapes, and tree fruits.
The Central Valley is a key area for year-round lettuce production, illustrating how dependent California agriculture is on its workforce. The report asserts, “Without them, California would face significant labor shortages, reduced capacity, and increased costs, all of which would threaten its position as a national and global agricultural leader.”
The economic contributions of Fresno County agriculture are further underscored by the substantial value added through local food processing. In 2023, food processing generated a direct output of $6.02 billion, encompassing various sectors such as meat and poultry processing, which alone accounted for $1.747 billion, and nut manufacturing at $1.5 billion. This processing not only bolsters local jobs but also enhances the agricultural value chain for both domestic and international markets.
In conclusion, Fresno County’s agricultural sector continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience and significant economic contributions despite ongoing challenges. As the county maintains its status as a leading agricultural hub, the importance of the workforce and the economic impact of farming will remain critical to its future success.
