San Joaquin County Agricultural Sector Demonstrates Robust Economic Impact in Latest Report

The Center for Business and Policy Research (CBPR) at the University of the Pacific has released a comprehensive report detailing the economic contributions of agriculture in San Joaquin County. This report, which surveys developments over the past fifteen years, underscores the sector’s continued significance amidst evolving economic landscapes.

Key Findings From The Report

• Employment and Economic Output: Agriculture supports nearly 35,000 jobs and contributes $4.2 billion in value-added income, with an overall economic output of $7.8 billion. This accounts for approximately 10% of the county’s economy.
• Crop Shifts: Significant shifts in crop composition have been noted, with approximately 100,000 acres transitioning from field and vegetable crops to nut orchards.
• Employment and Income Trends: Despite a decline in total agricultural employment, wages in the sector have increased significantly.
• Wineries and Value-Added Agriculture: The local wine industry has expanded, reflecting a broader trend of increasing local value-added agricultural production. While wine grape acreage has slightly declined, the number of winery employees has nearly doubled, and the number of wineries has more than doubled since 2008.
• Revenue and Profitability Trends: Inflation-adjusted agricultural revenue peaked in 2014 but has since stabilized around $3 billion annually. However, rising costs have led to a decline in net income, highlighting challenges amidst a generally positive employment and wage growth trend.
• Agricultural Resilience and Adaptation: Despite market challenges, especially for nut crops, San Joaquin County’s agriculture is projected to remain resilient due to its diverse crop production, reliable water supplies, and innovative industry practices.

The report illustrates that while San Joaquin County is urbanizing, agriculture remains a cornerstone of its economy, adapting and evolving to meet new challenges. This resilience is critical for the county’s economic stability and growth, ensuring that agriculture will continue to be a foundational industry in the future.

The full report, attached, is also available on the CBPR website

About the Center for Business and Policy Research (CBPR)

The CBPR is dedicated to producing high-quality, objective research that informs public policy and business decision-making in California and beyond. Located at the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business, CBPR combines rigorous academic research with practical applications to address contemporary economic and policy challenges.