California farms recorded gross commodity sales exceeding US$61.2 billion in 2024, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). While the overall value was higher, growers continue to face rising input costs and reduced irrigation deliveries.
Among fresh produce, almonds remained a leading commodity with a gross value of US$5.66 billion. However, prices in 2024 fell well below break-even levels, leading some growers to abandon orchards. Abandoned orchards have increased pest pressure on neighboring tree nut farms, adding to production costs. Grapes followed closely with US$5.64 billion in sales. Lettuce and strawberries reached US$3.67 billion and US$3.46 billion, respectively. Pistachios generated US$2.05 billion, while processing tomatoes totaled US$1.64 billion. Carrots closed the top ten produce categories with US$1.57 billion.
The most recent export data from 2023 shows US$22.4 billion in agricultural commodities shipped overseas, a 5.9% decline from the previous year. Almonds and pistachios were among the main export products. CDFA also reported organic sales rising by nearly 22% between 2019 and 2023, reaching US$11.8 billion.
Despite the higher cash receipts, which rose by 3.6% in 2024, inflation and increased costs of production limited profitability. Growers face challenges from labor costs, tariffs, and input expenses, while low commodity prices continue to affect production across U.S. agriculture.
Source: FarmProgress