Farming is a grand industry in California, with around 77,500 farms and 122,500 farmers. In fact, California’s agriculture represents one of the larger farming economies in our country. But how does farming look for the environment, or the larger economy? We’ll take an in-depth look at how farming, and fruit farming in the Golden State in particular, are helping the growing economy and minimizing our impact on the planet.
Farming and the Economy
Did you know that in the last year, agriculture has contributed $1.05 trillion to our national GDP? For those of you who don’t have an idea of how much that is, consider this: That’s roughly 6% of the money this country makes—directly from agriculture and related businesses.
Creating Jobs and Feeding the Workers
Agriculture in California and around the nation provides a great boon for the economy. Without farming, there would be no restaurants, no food manufacturing companies, no nutritionists, and ultimately no food on your table. Farmers do the hard work of producing the food that we need to feed those who contribute to society and the economy.
Boosting Tax Revenue
Another important consideration is taxes, and farmers certainly pay their share, supporting their communities and the local and federal governments with profit from their agricultural enterprises. Speaking of taxes, know anyone in need of a job? Farming provides nearly 15% of the nation’s jobs—22 million of them, approximately. That’s what you call a big boost to the economy.
The Environment and Growing Fruit
Depending on where you source your information, it can be really difficult to develop an unbiased opinion on whether California’s agriculture affects the environment negatively or positively. The simple answer is that we need agriculture!
Agriculture is a term that covers a wide variety of methods, and while some of them can harm the environment, natural habitats, and ecosystems, others bring nutrients to the soil, provide food for local wildlife, and enrich habitats.
California Provides the Ideal Growing Environment
California, in particular, is a great place to farm, considering the rich soil, virtually rock-free farmland, and warm climate. There are roughly 77,500 farms in California, making it one of the top food suppliers in the country. To avoid harming the environment, many farms in California’s agriculture industry use sustainable methods and crops that require less water, taking into consideration the pervasive drought that has plagued the region.
Fruit Trees Help to Absorb CO2
Fruit trees are helping the environment perhaps more than other types of crops. Trees provide oxygen to the atmosphere and reduce harmful greenhouse gases such as CO2—the leading cause of global warming. A fruit tree planted in a yard or a garden can save you money on your utilities, provide relief from the sun in the summer and insulation against wind and cold in the off months, and delight your family with loads of free fruit!
Local Food Reduces Carbon Emissions
Another important thing to think about when asking yourself how California agriculture affects the environment is the shipping of grown and processed food products to their destination. In our country, shipping produce from farms to consumers accounts for roughly 10% of our carbon emissions. In this sense, it’s important that we as a society sell our produce as locally as we can to combat global warming. Besides, who doesn’t love a farmer’s market?
Economic Growth through Fruit Farming
Fruit farming bolsters the economy and helps our country grow in many different ways. Firstly, fruit growing provides jobs to a great many people. Did you know that California’s agriculture produces approximately half to two thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts? There are, in fact, 66 crops that California produces in larger quantities than any other state. With about 77,500 farms in California, that adds up to a lot of work, and Californians have more than proven that they are up for the task.
If you’re looking for a great crop for the Californian sun and soil, look no farther than your favorite fruit. With a generally high-yield, low-impact system, fruit provides a good deal of agricultural profit to the Golden State.
Fruit and Your Health
Nutritionists recommend around 60-85 grams of fruit per day. This would be very hard to accomplish without California’s agriculture and fruit growers! Fruit provides a healthy alternative to sugary snacks, can be added to a refreshing beverage on a hot day, and a represents a sweet, essential part of our human diet.
Without fruit, we would not get the vitamins and nutrients we need to be productive members of society. An orange, for example, is a significant source of vitamin C. How significant? As much as 130% of the daily recommended value. That same orange is also a source of vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.
Feeling a citrus craving? You’ll be happy to know that a good portion of the oranges in the United States are grown thanks to agriculture in California.
Experience Success in the California Fruit Industry with Fruit Growers Supply
If you or someone you know is interested in growing fruit in California, Fruit Growers Supply has the tools and expertise to help you make your enterprise a success. Contact Fruit Growers Supply to boost your California fruit-growing project today!
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