Thread: California ranks as the top food production state for a number of crops

California ranks as the top food production state for a number of crops.

Though tourists hardly consider the agricultural significance of California as afood growing region, the temperate year-round climate and expanses of land provide foods the nation and world have grown to enjoy and count on. Below are some of the top crops and percentage of the nation's supply produced inCalifornia.

CaliforniaFoodFacts

California has been the number one food and agricultural producer in the United States for more than 50 consecutive years.

More than half the nation's fruit, nuts, and vegetables come from here.

California is the nation's number one dairy state.

California's leading commodity is milk and cream. Grapes are second.

California's leading export crop is almonds.

Nationally, products exclusively grown (99% or more) in California include almonds, artichokes, dates, figs, kiwifruit, olives, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, raisins, clovers, and walnuts.

From 70 to 80% of all ripe olives are grown in California.

California is the nation's leading producer of strawberries, averaging 1.4 billion pounds of strawberries or 83% of the country's total fresh and frozen strawberry production. Approximately 12% of the crop is exported to Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan primarily. The value of the Californiastrawberry crop is approximately $700 million with related employment of more than 48,000 people.

California produces 25% of the nation's onions and 43% of the nation's green onions.

Gilroy, California, "Garlic Capitol of the World," has hosted 2 million at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/calif...ood-facts.html




Approximately 59,000 acres of avocados are grown in California.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado

California Economy

California supports a large and diverse economy with the highest economic production among the states. If California were a country, it would rank around sixth in the value of goods and services produced.

California's service industries, as a group, make up the largest part of the state's gross product.

Agriculture

California leads all of the other states in farm income. It's positioned as the agricultural powerhouse of the United States. About 73% of the state's agricultural revenues are derived from crops while the other 27% of revenues are generated by livestock commodities.

In terms of revenue generated, California's top five agricultural products are dairy products, greenhouse and nursery products, grapes, almonds, and cattle and calves.

Crops

California grows over 200 different crops, some grown nowhere else in the nation.

Crops include grapes, almonds, strawberries, oranges and walnuts.

California produces almost all of the country's almonds, apricots, dates, figs, kiwi fruit, nectarines, olives, pistachios, prunes, and walnuts. It leads in the production of avocados, grapes, lemons, melons, peaches, plums, and strawberries.

Only Florida produces more oranges.

The most important vegetable crops grown in the state are lettuce and tomatoes. Again, California leads the way.

Broccoli and carrots rank second followed by asparagus, cauliflower, celery, garlic, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

Only Texas grows more cotton than California.

Hay, rice, corn, sugar beets, and wheat are also grown in large quantities.

Livestock

Livestock and livestock products include milk, beef cattle, eggs, sheep, turkeys, hogs and horses. Dairy products are California's most valuable products followed by cattle and calves and chicken eggs.

California is the second ranked producer of livestock products behind Texas.

http://www.netstate.com/economy/ca_economy.htm

California Crops

California Agricultural Commodities:

Items below produced or grown in California rank #1 in the US.

California Crops

California % of US production is shown.

Artichokes - 99%
Asparagus-55%
Broccoli-93%
Cabbage-22%
Carrots-89%
Celery-94%
Garlic-86%
Lettuce-78%
Cantaloupe-54%
Honeydew-73%
Onions-27%
Bell Peppers-47%
Spinach-18%
Tomatoes -94%
Almond-99%
Apricots-95%
Avocados-84%
Strawberries-90%
Dates-82%
Figs-98%
Grapes-88%
Kiwi-97%
Lemons-89%
Nectarines-93%
Olives-100%
Peaches-76%
Pistachios-96%
Plums-93%
Walnuts-99%
Honey-18%
Milk & Cream-21%

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/calif...ood-facts.html

The California artichoke growers are pleased that artichokes are receiving their just recognition.


99.99% of all commercially grown artichokes are grown in California and no other commodity can claim such exclusivity to the state. Artichokes are truly California's vegetable.


http://artichokes.org/

9/13/15

Immigrants to U.S. find opportunities amid strawberries

http://www.alipac.us/f12/immigrants-...erries-323250/

California Wineries

Vineyards dot Central Coast hillsides & valleys. Stop to taste local offerings such as the Muscat Canelli, available at Edna Vineyards. A demonstration center (above) shows the progression of grape and vine growth as applied to wine production. A beautiful, new tasting room with a gift shop and special seasonal events keep guests returning. There are over 400 California wineries and many of them export to 165 markets worldwide. The U.S. ranks as the fourth leading wine producer in the world with the United Kingdom #1 consumer of California wines internationally. See full list of California Wineries Increased winery marketing efforts and consistent vintages have generated interest in California's growth industry. Annual wine consumption in gallons, per capita: 1. France.............15.85 2. Italy.................15.68 3. Portugal............15.44 4. Luxembourg.....13.31 30. United States.....1.9

Photos ©Debbie Stock

The posted sign (right) directs travelers to wineries located off California Highway 101 near the cities of Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo.

As you travel north a few miles beyond Santa Maria, you'll see Laetetia Vineyard on the right hand side of the road. Turn in the gate which is open during business hours and drive up the hill to the wine tasting room. Picnic tables allow guests to sit outside and enjoy a breathtaking view of the hills and highway.

There you can obtain maps and directions for the rest of your tasting tour.

As for prices, you sometimes can find the same wines sold in local grocery stores for a similar price or even less. If you are a member of Costco, stop at the one visible off Highway 101 in Santa Maria to check out their local inventory and prices. Costco annual membership is around $40. BUT, if you like something and are just passing through, don't count on it being available outside the vineyard.

• The hillside tree above is located at Corbett Canyon Winery, a gorgeous place but not always open to the public, unfortunately.

• Be forewarned that California has stiff penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. A designated driver system for wine tasting and touring is essential. There are numerous wine coach buses available, especially in Napa wine region.

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/wine.html