Organic produce is a booming business in California, where organic sales have risen by nearly 22% over the past five years.
The state accounts for more than a third of America’s overall organic sales, generating $11.8 billion in 2023 alone. Those numbers are driven in part by counties like Monterey, Humboldt, Kern, and Tehama, which have become the state’s most powerhouse producers. Monterey leads California in the summertime production of lettuce, the state’s highest-selling organic vegetable crop, with Imperial County producing the most organic lettuce during the winter months. Meanwhile, Fresno produces the most organic almonds, which are the state’s most popular nut. Mendocino leads the state in the production of organic grapes, which are the state’s most popular organic fruit, while Santa Cruz grows the most organic strawberries, which are the state’s best-selling organic berry.
Are you hoping to increase your own organic production? State-funded initiatives like the Organic Transition Pilot Program are designed to provide financial assistance and technical guidance to those looking to obtain organic certification for their growing operations. The USDA’s Transition To Organic Partnership Program offers grant opportunities to farmers who are making the shift toward organic production, as do nonprofit organizations like California Certified Organic Farmers.
Our supply stores can help, too. Whether you’re looking for the right soil for your organic fruit trees or searching for organic-friendly pesticides, we have the inventory and the expertise you need. Pay us a visit today to start increasing your organic production.