Farmers in Kern County, California, are harvesting their almond crop for the 2024-25 season, while updated figures show shifts in the county's top agricultural commodities.
In 2024, the county's agricultural sector generated US$7.96 billion in gross value, representing an 8 per cent decline compared to the record US$8.63 billion in 2023. These figures represent gross values and do not account for production and marketing costs.
For the first time in decades, citrus crops overtook grapes in total value. Citrus reached US$1.31 billion, while grapes recorded US$1.18 billion. Carrots ranked third, with a value of US$1.01 billion, the last crop to surpass the nine-digit mark. Almonds and pistachios completed the top five commodities, generating nearly US$800 million and US$723 million, respectively.
According to the Kern County agricultural department, the top 20 commodities, including garlic, alfalfa, and onions, account for 91 per cent of the county's annual gross agricultural value.
Source: 23ABC
