Two-term state Treasurer Fiona Ma credits agriculture with helping California become the world's fourth-largest economy. (Shutterstock)

- Agriculture is a major reason for California’s economic boom, contributing more than $59 billion worth of market value annually.
- Our farmers produce 400 different products that feed the nation and the world.
- California's "story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope — and the best chapters are still ahead," writes state Treasurer Fiona Ma.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
California is now the fourth-largest economy in the world. It hasn’t been easy to achieve that milestone. But we’ve done it by seizing new opportunities, investing in our workforce and building an environment that attracts investment in both rural and urban areas of the Golden State.
Fiona Ma
Opinion
Agriculture is a major reason for California’s economic boom, contributing more than $59 billion worth of market value. Our farmers produce 400 different products that feed the nation and the world. More than one-third of our nation’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. No other state comes close.
Our UC, CSU, and Community College systems are ranked among the best public institutions in the country. The AI tech boom, fueled by Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit, is expanding at quantum leaps, and bringing jobs to rural counties as well.
Thanks to voter support, California has the best children’s hospitals in the world, backed by three bond measures since 1994. We also remain the only place in the world that is robustly funding stem cell research, which is improving and saving lives.
Our state’s credit rating remains strong and stable. Investors eagerly buy our bonds because we pass balanced budgets on time, fully fund our rainy day reserves, and are on track to fully fund our state’s pension obligations.
During COVID, we protected residents, supported small businesses, and invested billions in infrastructure. We built more affordable housing than ever (though much more is needed), offered free money for aspiring college students, launched grants for ADUs, and created a free down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers whose parents never owned a home.

I was elected California State Treasurer seven years ago. I have spent the past seven years traveling across the state including the Central Valley, meeting people where they live and work. I’m proud that California is a place where people dare to dream big and can achieve the American Dream. We speak more than 200 languages, embrace our diversity, and remain the envy of the nation.
In California, we don’t just dream of a better future — we build it. We believe that success should be shared, that opportunity should be within reach for everyone, and that when we lift each other up, we all rise together. Our story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope — and the best chapters are still ahead.
About the Author
Fiona Ma is California’s 34th state Treasurer. She was elected in 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant elected to the position.
Make Your Voice Heard
GV Wire encourages vigorous debate from people and organizations on local, state, and national issues. Submit your op-ed to bmcewen@gvwirenews.kinsta.cloud for consideration.
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Says Rudy Giuliani Will Receive Top US Civilian Honor
12 hours ago
Aid Flotilla for Gaza Departs Barcelona After Stormy Weather Turnaround
13 hours ago
Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest
2 days ago
Israel Pounds Gaza City Suburbs, Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet
2 days ago
Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote
2 days ago
Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid
2 days ago
Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents
2 days ago
Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post
2 days ago
Tulare County Authorities Investigate Porterville Shooting
10 hours ago
Categories

Tulare County Authorities Investigate Porterville Shooting

Trump’s World Liberty Token Falls in First Day of Trading

Bessent Expects Supreme Court to Uphold Legality of Trump’s Tariffs but Eyes Plan B

Trump Says Rudy Giuliani Will Receive Top US Civilian Honor

Aid Flotilla for Gaza Departs Barcelona After Stormy Weather Turnaround

Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest

Israel Pounds Gaza City Suburbs, Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet
