California has the highest urbanization share of total population among all U.S. states, with 94.2% of Golden State residents living in urban areas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
California also is the leading U.S. farm state, generating around $52 billion in annual agricultural cash receipts. Over 400 crops are grown in California, which is also the nation’s leading dairy state. Milk and value-added dairy products are California’s top commodity, followed by grapes that are used for wine, table grapes, raisins and grape juice. Other fruits, tree nuts, vegetables and cattle complete the top 10.
Agriculture also is a significant employer in California. For example, a new report from the U.C. Davis Agricultural Issues Center (AIC) shows that farming alone employs 7.3% of the state’s private sector labor force and accounts for 5.6% of state labor income.
Agriculture not only is a significant part of California’s overall economy, it’s also a global force. California places in the top 10 of the world’s agriculture rankings, ahead of countries such as Canada, Mexico, Germany and Spain, according to the new report from AIC.
In other words, farming and agribusiness matter greatly in California, the “urban state.” Rural areas, where less than 6% of Californians live, matter too because that’s primarily where farming happens in California. Agriculture benefits the entire state. According to the AIC report, for every dollar value added – labor and property income and indirect business taxes – in farming and agricultural related industries generates an additional $1.27 in the state economy.
Because the majority of Californians live in urban regions, cities and suburbs, they’ve become out of touch – or have never been in touch – with farming and agricultural related industries.
This reality has been evident over the last decade when it comes to issues like climate change, water, farm labor and others that impact farmers and rural region residents far more than they do urban residents in the Golden State. Most Califorians take for granted the abundance of food farmers continue to produce here in California. They also aren’t aware of the challenges farmers increasingly are facing in this mostly urban (population-wise) state.
That has to change if California is going to remain the permanent U.S. agriculture state. Climate change threatens to change farming in California as we know it. We’re already seeing the beginnings – drought, floods, changing weather patterns – and there’s more to come.
It’s time for the state to devote increased efforts and funding to educating Californians – students through the schools and adults through various channels – about food and farming in the Golden State. Efforts like this month’s National Farm to School Month and formal programs like California FFA are great but they’re not enough for the challenges farmers and the state as a whole are facing today.
We also need more focused and formal education for adults on the role of agriculture in California. Farmers markets have played an important role in this in cities and suburbs, for example. City folk need to meet and hear from more farmers and learn about the challenges they face.
Governor Newsom and the state legislator should take up the subject of agricultural education targeted to urban residents in California. A formal program administered and funded by the state in partnership with the California Department of Education and The Department of Food and Agriculture is something that’s needed.
Californians need to better understand the pressures agriculture is under in California. More and better education will help ensure the state’s agriculture permanence for many years to come.
My Job Depends on Ag Magazine columnist and contributing editor Victor Martino is an agrifood industry consultant, entrepreneur and writer. One of his passions and current projects is working with farmers who want to develop their own branded food products. You can contact him at: victormartino415@gmail.com.
