What Grows in California: Agricultural Powerhouse

California produces over 400 commodities — ~1/3 of US vegetables, 2/3 of US fruits & nuts. Mediterranean climate + massive water engineering = year-round harvest.

Fruits & Nuts (National Leader)

• Almonds: 80% world / 100% US commercial.
• Grapes: Table, wine, raisin (Central Valley).
• Strawberries: ~90% US (Ventura, Monterey, Santa Barbara).
• Citrus: Oranges (navel, Valencia), lemons, mandarins (Central Valley, desert).
• Walnuts, Pistachios: ~99% US.
• Avocados, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Berries.

Vegetables

• Lettuce, Broccoli, Carrots, Celery, Tomatoes (processing + fresh), Artichokes (100% US), Garlic, Onions, Peppers.
• Salinas Valley = "Salad Bowl of the World."
• Imperial/Coachella Valleys = winter veg (desert + irrigation).

Flowers & Nursery

• Cut flowers (roses, gerbera, chrysanthemum, lily), potted plants, bulbs — #1 US producer.

Wine Grapes

• 4,600+ wineries. Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Mendocino, Lodi.
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah.
• 85% US wine production.

Field Crops & Others

• Rice (Sacramento Valley), Cotton (San Joaquin), Alfalfa/Hay, Corn, Wheat, Sunflower, Safflower, Sugar Beets.
• Dairy (Tulare = #1 US county), Cattle, Poultry.

California agriculture = $50+ billion farm gate value, 2M+ jobs, feeds the nation and exports globally.