California agriculture holds a unique position in the United States, producing a vast and diverse array of food that has earned the state the moniker of the nation’s salad bowl. The state’s distinct climate and fertile soil allow for the cultivation of over 400 different agricultural commodities, exceeding the diversity of any other state. This scale of production supplies a significant portion of the country’s specialty foods. California farms account for nearly half of all U.S. vegetables and more than three-quarters of the nation’s fruits and nuts.
How California Agriculture is Measured
Determining the “top” agricultural products is based on economic value rather than the sheer volume or acreage of a harvest. The standard metric used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is Gross Cash Receipts. This figure represents the total value farmers and ranchers receive for their output before expenses are deducted, providing the clearest picture of a commodity’s economic importance. For the 2024 crop year, California’s farms and ranches generated a record $61.2 billion in cash receipts.
The breadth of California’s farming is demonstrated by the number of different items grown, but the top ranks are consistently dominated by high-value specialty items. The official ranking of commodities includes both plant crops and animal products, such as milk and livestock. This comprehensive approach ensures the economic contribution of all major farm segments is accounted for in the state’s agricultural profile.
The Top 10 Most Valuable Crops
The list of California’s most valuable agricultural commodities reflects the state’s dominance in specialty crop and dairy production, based on the latest Gross Cash Receipts for 2024.
- Dairy Products (Milk): Ranked first, generating approximately $8.61 billion in receipts. California is the number one milk-producing state, contributing nearly one-fifth of the nation’s supply.
- Almonds: Valued around $5.6 to $5.7 billion. California produces nearly 80% of the world’s almonds and is the sole commercial producer in the United States.
- Grapes: Valued around $5.6 to $5.7 billion. The state cultivates 99% of all U.S. table grapes and ranks as the fourth largest wine producer globally.
- Cattle and Calves: Hold the fourth position, valued at about $4.98 billion. This segment represents a significant portion of the state’s livestock economy.
- Lettuce: Valued at approximately $3.67 billion, it is a leading vegetable crop. California and Arizona together supply over 90% of the lettuce consumed in the United States.
- Strawberries: Valued around $3.5 billion, they are grown nearly year-round in temperate coastal regions. California produces the vast majority of the nation’s fresh strawberries.
- Pistachios: Valued at $2.05 billion, California is the top U.S. producer. The United States is the second-largest global producer of pistachios.
- Tomatoes: Generating about $1.64 billion, they consist primarily of processing tomatoes used for sauces and pastes. Farmers are responsible for roughly a third of the world’s processed tomato crop.
- Carrots: Valued at $1.57 billion.
- Broilers (Chickens raised for meat): Valued at $1.37 billion, rounding out the top ten commodities.
National and Global Economic Impact
California’s concentration on high-value, specialized agricultural commodities gives it a disproportionate impact on national and global food supply chains. The state is a major exporter, with total agricultural exports valued at $22.4 billion in 2023. This export value underscores the reach of California-grown products far beyond the domestic market.
The state’s high export volume is driven by nuts and dried fruits, which are easily transported and have long shelf lives. Almonds, pistachios, dairy products, wine, and walnuts consistently rank as the top exported commodities. California’s share of total U.S. agricultural exports stands at approximately 12.8%.
The collective economic significance of these commodities ensures that California’s agricultural health directly influences the U.S. economy and international trade balances. The state’s ability to supply specialty crops provides a stable domestic source for items like dried fruits and tree nuts. This output solidifies California’s role as a major contributor to global food security.