Fresno tops U.S. agriculture in 2024
Fresno County has reclaimed the nation’s top spot in agricultural production, surpassing $9 billion in total value for 2024, according to the Fresno County Department of Agriculture. The county’s fruits and nuts sector rose by about 19%, while livestock and poultry increased roughly 9% year-over-year.
Almonds, grapes and pistachios led crop values, combining for $3.36 billion. Fresno also exported 96 distinct commodities to 91 countries last year, maintaining its role as one of the world’s largest agricultural exporters.
New economic report and cautious optimism
This year the department published an economic contributions report alongside its annual AG Crop and Livestock report. While officials and farm groups welcomed the production gains, many emphasized that the headline numbers mask ongoing financial and resource pressures.
"We've faced some very difficult times the last four years, from a combination of issues," said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. "Below-average market prices, rising input costs and higher interest rates have squeezed many producers."
Water and land-use tensions
Although 2024 brought improved water conditions for some growers, long-term water availability remains a central concern. Fresno Agricultural Commissioner Melissa Cregan underscored water’s influence on land-use decisions:
"If we had all the water that we needed, I would be, probably, against adding solar farms. But we know that that's not the case. And it's not going to be the case,"
Other leaders oppose converting productive farmland to solar entirely. Manuel Cunha, Jr., president of the Nisei Farmers League, warned about permanence:
"I don't agree with it at all because it would never go back to farmland,"
What’s at stake
Farmers say that shrinking water supplies, rising costs and uncertain market conditions could undermine Fresno’s ability to sustain production and exports. Local leaders caution that a sustained decline in water or acreage devoted to crops could shift production to other regions, with consequences for the regional economy, job security and food quality.
Policy decisions on water management, incentives for renewable energy and land-use planning will be crucial in determining whether Fresno can preserve its leading agricultural role, protect farmland, and maintain export relationships in the years ahead.
Key figures:
- Total agricultural production (2024): $9 billion+
- Fruits & nuts increase: ~19%
- Livestock & poultry increase: ~9%
- Top crop trio (almonds, grapes, pistachios): $3.36 billion
- Exports: 96 commodities to 91 countries
