Fresno County Tops U.S. Agriculture with Record $9 Billion Output

Fresno County has regained its position as the leading agricultural producer in the United States, achieving a record output valued at over $9 billion for 2024. This milestone follows a decline from Kern County, which reported $7.96 billion in agricultural revenue, and Tulare County, which saw a recovery to $8.3 billion. The figures underscore the vital role that Fresno plays in national and global food supplies.

At a recent meeting, Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Melissa Cregan highlighted the diverse crop production as a key factor in the county’s agricultural success. “In the 2024 report, there were approximately 200 commodities, 82 of which have a gross value in excess of $1 million,” Cregan stated. She noted that Fresno County exports 96 unique commodities to 91 countries, reinforcing its reputation for high-quality food and fiber.

Challenges Ahead for Agriculture

Despite this impressive financial performance, concerns about sustainability and water availability loom large. Supervisor Buddy Mendes warned that the ongoing implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) could significantly impact the county’s agricultural output. “As SGMA comes in and is more enforced, there’s going to be a lot of places in Fresno County that don’t have surface water,” Mendes explained. He emphasized that the current agricultural returns could be temporary due to tightening water regulations.

Almonds, which have seen a resurgence in prices, were the highest grossing crop, generating $1.45 billion in 2024, a significant increase from $950 million the previous year. This rebound is crucial for farmers who experienced a severe decline in prices during the pandemic. In stark contrast, grape production fell to just above $1 billion, down from $1.3 billion in 2023.

The resilience of Fresno County’s agricultural sector is reflected in its crop diversity. “When one crop has a bad year, we have others that have good years,” Cregan noted. Other crops contributing to the county’s top 10 included pistachios at approximately $860 million, along with cattle, milk, poultry, tomatoes, peaches, garlic, and oranges.

Regional Comparisons and Economic Impact

Tulare County’s agriculture also showed growth, increasing by 6% to reach $8.3 billion, largely driven by milk production, which grossed $2.3 billion. Navel oranges retained their value, remaining just above $600 million. However, Kern County experienced an 8% decline, dropping to just below $8 billion, as irrigation water shortages began to take their toll on production.

Cregan’s office conducted a study highlighting agriculture’s substantial impact on the Fresno economy, estimating it contributes $21.7 billion and employs 63,000 people. This positions agriculture as the county’s largest industry, trailing only health and social services and government employment.

Political factors also play a significant role in agricultural pricing and sustainability. Supervisor Brian Pacheco, a dairyman, pointed out that prices fluctuate frequently, influenced by policy decisions at the federal level. “It’s highly volatile, it’s up and down and not even from year-to-year, it’s day-to-day with this current political environment,” Pacheco explained.

Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, acknowledged that although the current figures are impressive, they do not fully reflect the ongoing challenges farmers face, including rising operational costs and high borrowing rates. He stated that a favorable water year had allowed farmers to maximize their crop potential.

As Fresno County celebrates its agricultural achievements, the future remains uncertain. The balancing act between maintaining productivity and adhering to water regulations will be crucial for sustaining its title as the nation’s top ag-producing county.