Fresno County agricultural officials on Nov. 4 presented the county’s 2024 crop and livestock report, reporting a record gross production value of about $9.029 billion for 2024. Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer Melissa Cragin said the increase was led by almonds retaking the top slot (estimated gross value $1.45 billion), followed by grapes ($1.042 billion) and pistachios ($859 million). The county reported about 200 different commodities produced and exports to more than 91 countries.

Cragin also presented a companion economic contribution summary (based on 2023 data) estimating agriculture’s total contribution to the Fresno County economy at approximately $21.66 billion and noting that production and processing directly supported more than 63,000 jobs. The report highlights farmworker programs and new county initiatives including strategic hiring events, an access-to-technology program for older veterans, and the Together for Veterans Coalition.

Ryan Jacobson, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, praised the county’s agricultural productivity and urged continued support for farms and processing infrastructure. Supervisors discussed water availability, volatility in commodity markets, and the role of solar leases and other non-farm income as risk mitigants for some growers. Staff said the full reports and a one-page summary will be posted to the Agricultural Department website.

No formal board action was required; the board accepted the reports during the meeting.