AN OVERVIEW OF CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS

California’s agricultural sector gained a record 15 percent in the sales value of its products in 2007. Milk remained the No. 1 farm commodity, with a major recovery in 2007 compared to the depressed milk prices from a year earlier. The Golden State retained its ranking as the nation’s leading dairy producer by a wide margin, producing 22 percent of the U.S. milk supply.

California’s agricultural abundance includes 400 different commodities. Among these, the state produces about half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables.

California has 75,000 farms and ranches –– less than 4 percent of the nation’s total. Yet, the Golden State’s agricultural production represents 12.8 percent of the nation’s total value. California’s top 20 crop and livestock commodities accounted for more than $30 billion in value. Each of the top 10 commodities exceeded $1 billion in value. A combination of stronger prices and higher production resulted in nine of the 10 commodities registering an increase in value over 2006.

California’s agricultural exports reached an all-time high of $10.9 billion in 2007. This represents an 11 percent increase from 2006. In addition, 28 percent of California’s agricultural production was shipped to overseas markets.

California exported agricultural products to more than 156 countries worldwide. The 10 top export destinations accounted for 83 percent of the 2007 export value. Three destinations — Canada, European Union (EU-27) and Japan — accounted for nearly 57 percent of the export total.

Even though the primary market for California agricultural production is still the rest of the nation, foreign markets have become more important in recent years. For instance, in 1999 only 16 percent of the state’s production was being shipped to overseas markets compared with export gains made during this decade.

It is the quality, freshness and unparalleled flavor of California’s food products that makes California’s agricultural exports enjoyed around the world. With key international markets in Europe, Asia and North America, California agriculture is a “taste of sunshine” enjoyed by millions.