When people think of California’s big industries, agriculture probably isn’t at the top of the list. But the Golden State’s farming industry is the largest in the country. With hundreds of different crops and billions of dollars of output a year, California is an agricultural giant. What makes this state so successful? See why agriculture opportunities in California are so rich with this brief overview.
The Fertile Central Valley
The majority of California’s farms exist in the Central Valley—an extremely fertile region with rich, productive soil. The secret is the valley’s geological history. Miles and miles of continuous mountains surround the valley. Over the course of thousands of years, erosion from the mountains has deposited rich sediment in the valley. The result is a deep layer of topsoil that makes for superior farmland. It’s the perfect foundation for a booming agricultural industry.
The Variety of a Mediterranean Climate
Unlike other agricultural powerhouses in the United States—such as Iowa and other breadbasket states—California has a massive variety of crops. Moreover, the state’s mild winters allow for permanent crops, so it isn’t limited to row crops like corn and wheat.
The result is an incredibly diverse range of agricultural products, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, grapes, garlic, prunes, avocados, lemons, and oranges. Even better, those products are in high demand because of California’s rare Mediterranean climate. Because Mediterranean regions cover less than three percent of the world’s land mass, products from these regions experience consistently high demand.
Clever Irrigation Systems
Water is essential for crop growth, but California doesn’t see a ton of annual rainfall. However, the state has worked around this barrier by investing in a robust system of irrigation districts. Clever use of dams, aqueducts, reservoirs, and underground water banking allows the state’s farmers to get the water they need to help their crops thrive.
California is full of rich agriculture opportunities just waiting for you. If you’re looking to purchase your own land and start a farming business in California, let Farm Plus Financial help. Our expert team will set you up with competitive agriculture loans in California so you can make the most of your business. Learn more about our farm loan options when you contact us today.