Fresno County farms produced a record-breaking $8.08 billion in crops for 2021, but no longer can brag about being No. 1 in the nation.

After leading the U.S. in crop production value for three straight years, Fresno County fell to No. 3 behind Kern County ($8.34 billion) and Tulare County ($8.09 billion).

These figures reflect gross values and not the net return to growers.

Almonds Set the Pace

Almonds led the way for Fresno County growers for the ninth straight year, totaling $1.44 billion, according to a report presented Tuesday to the Board of Supervisors.

Grapes production totaled $1.35 billion and pistachios came in at $722 million.

“Fresno County’s agricultural strength is based on the diversity of crops produced. Included in this year’s report are over 170 different commodities, 76 of which have a gross value in excess of $1 million,” the county stated in a news release.

“Fresno County continues to feed not only California but the nation and world, exporting 89 unique commodities for markets in 96 countries around the globe.”

The county’s nation-leading crop value in 2020 totaled $7.98 billion.