SACRAMENTO –  “This March 20 is National Agriculture Day, a day set aside to honor the men and women of agriculture and to help promote a better understanding of California and  America’s agriculture industry,” Assemblymember Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) said today.
           
“California is the number one agriculture state in the nation and is considered the most diversified agrarian economy in the world,” said Parra. “Hundreds of food items are produced in California and they feed countless millions throughout the United States and the world.”

California’s 88,000 farmers also lead the world in food-safety technology.  Their efforts help to ensure that our food is safe to eat.

California’s agriculture industry contributes approximately $30 billion to the state’s economy and is responsible for one in every 12 jobs.  California also leads the nation in agricultural exports, thus making the state a major contributor to the nation’s balance of trade.  From only three percent of the nation’s farmland, California agriculture supplies more than half of America’s total supply of fruits, vegetables and nuts. California recently became the number one producer of cheese and dairy products in the world.

“It is appropriate for all Californians to thank our farmers and farm workers for providing such wonderful products and service to the people of our state, the nation and the world,” Assemblymember Parra added.

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