California Strawberries Grow More Than Fruit

On Agriculture Day at the California State Capitol, we recognize the farmers, farmworkers, and communities that make California the undeniable leader in food production. Our state produces over 400 commodities, supplying over one-third of the nation’s vegetables and nearly three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. Among these, strawberries stand out—not just for their exceptional quality and taste but for the economic opportunities they create.

California grows more organic strawberries than anywhere else in the world, and our conventional farming practices set the standard for safety and sustainability. This industry isn’t just about producing fruit—it’s about shaping lives, building businesses, and driving economic mobility.

For generations, the strawberry industry has paved the way for success. Today, 65% of California’s strawberry farmers are Mexican Americans, with about 25% having started as farmworkers. Many others, including Asian Americans and women, have built thriving careers in the industry. This isn’t just farming—it’s proof that the American Dream is alive and well in agriculture.

Strawberries are unique in their ability to generate economic opportunity. Their high yield per acre and extended growing season allow small farms to prosper, providing a clear path for farmworkers to become farm owners. Few crops offer such a direct route from laborer to landowner, making strawberries a powerful engine of upward mobility.

But opportunity isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about leading the future of sustainable agriculture. California’s strawberry farmers are at the cutting edge of innovation. Researchers at the California Strawberry Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are advancing automation, plant health, and sustainable farming techniques. Our industry is reducing pesticide use, improving soil health, and pioneering eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

Today, berry clamshells are recyclable and made from post-consumer plastic, contributing to a circular economy that minimizes waste without compromising food safety.

Water conservation and environmental stewardship remain top priorities. Farmers leverage precision irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, and biological pest control to maximize efficiency and minimize impact. These advancements ensure that California remains the global leader in responsible farming.

Agriculture fuels California’s economy. Though farmers make up less than 1% of the state’s population, the industry generates over $50 billion annually and supports more than 1.2 million jobs. The strawberry sector alone provides over 70,000 jobs, spanning farming, transportation, packaging, and marketing.

Farmworkers are the backbone of this success. Their expertise ensures that consumers receive fresh, high-quality produce. With advancements in agricultural technology, new opportunities in machinery operation, sustainable farming, and agricultural science are emerging—expanding career paths beyond traditional farm work.

As we celebrate California Agriculture Day, we honor the hardworking farmers, farmworkers, and innovators who ensure that fresh, nutritious food reaches tables nationwide. Agriculture is more than a business—it’s a commitment to people, progress, and prosperity.

California strawberries embody this spirit, driving economic growth, advancing sustainability, and creating careers that span generations. So, the next time you enjoy a California-grown strawberry, know that behind its sweetness lies a story of resilience, ingenuity, and opportunity.

Happy Agriculture Day!