The Per Acreage Output Is Impressive
The above list though is only a small sampling of the amount of produce that is California grown. No other state in the US can match California’s per acreage output – even if you are comparing the agricultural output of California with several states. For instance, the lemon production is 50% higher in California than the neighboring state of Arizona. Also, the yields for spinach are 60% higher than the US average.
Historical Data
These statistics certainly differ from what California first produced agriculturally. For instance, during the 1860’s, the leading crops were corn and wheat. However, by the 1880’s, California stopped being the country’s breadbasket and became the primary supplier for fruits and vegetables.
CDFA Information
You can put everything into perspective easier by reviewing the crop year report for the state compiled by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The produce grown in California is part of over 400 commodities. According to the CDFA, around two-thirds of the nuts and fruits in the US are harvested in the state while one-third of the vegetables grown in the US are California grown.
Top Valued Commodities
Some of the top valued commodities include the following:
- Grapes – About $5.50 billion are grown annually
- Almonds – Around $5 billion are produced each year
- Pistachios – Profits from the nuts amount to about $1.5 billion yearly
- Strawberries – About $1.80 billion of the fruit is harvested yearly
- Lettuce – Close to $2 billion worth of the vegetable is sold annually
Moreover, cattle production represents around $2.50 billion in sales. In fact, according to recent statistics, California’s total top crop and livestock commodities are valued at around $36 billion annually. You only need to scan commodities report to see how California leads the other US states in production. Moreover, many of the food crops are favored by the Chinese.
The Largest Exporter of US Produce
California also leads the way in US agricultural production as the country’s largest producer and exporter of produce. For example, CDFA statistics show that California exports make up just over one-fourth of its agricultural output by volume. When you translate this amount to dollars, it reaches around $20 billion annually. Moreover, export values in the state have risen impressively during the past decade. In fact, commodity exports have exploded by over 120% during the period.
A Temperate Climate
When you review the weather that the state enjoys over the year, it is not surprising that California is a leader in the produce export market. For example, most Januarys in the state represent, for the most part, a quiet weather pattern or foggy climate. Surges of moisture can lead to Central Valley and coastal fogs while a Santa Ana wind may result in unusually seasonable and warm temperatures. Normally, even in January, the statewide average temperature hovers around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees Celsius. February also supports warmer temperatures and a statewide precipitation of about 2.5 inches or 6.4 centimeters.
By the time growing season is in full swing (in June and July), the average temperature usually settles around 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 degrees Celsius. While the temperatures in desert areas can climb much higher during August, the average temperature across the state is amenable. Average temperatures are usually around 74 degrees Fahrenheit or 23 degrees Celsius.
California’s friendly climate enables producers to meet Chinese export requirements throughout the year. California Stone Creek believes the climate and agricultural advantages that California enjoys can be used to supply some of the finest fruits and vegetables to the Chinese marketplace.
