California agricultural revenue rises to record US$37B in 2010, up from US$34B in 2009, helped by 31% gain in dairy income, rising popularity of pistachios; state accounts for 12% of U.S. agricultural revenue

Duncan Martell

FRESNO, California , August 31, 2011 (Associated Press) – The growing popularity of pistachios helped California farms and ranches set a record for agricultural revenue last year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that the state's nearly 82,000 farms made more than $37 billion. That's up from $34 billion in 2009.

The USDA says dairy led the way, with revenue of almost $6 billion - an increase of 31 percent.

Table and wine grapes made a combined $3.2 billion to be the state's second most valuable.

All told, 11 California products topped $1 billion.

Pistachio revenue grew by 95 percent and topped $1 billion for the first time. Walnuts also edged over $1 billion, but almonds were the most valuable nut crop at $2.8 billion.

California accounts for about 12 percent of U.S. agricultural revenue for 2010.

© 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.