When people talk about the best farmers in the world, they mean the Central Valley. No region on Earth produces more food. The latest Fresno County Crop Report shows over $9 billion in agricultural production, a record-breaking year.

From almonds and grapes to dairy, citrus and tomatoes, Fresno’s over 300 commodities form the backbone of our local economy and a vital link in the global food chain. This achievement reflects not only fertile land but also generations of innovation, family dedication and smart stewardship of our resources.

And Fresno doesn’t stand alone. Tulare County reported more than $8.6 billion in production and Kern County $7.9 billion, making our neighboring counties the top three agricultural producers in the nation. Together, our counties account for nearly half of California’s total agricultural output.

To put this in perspective, when you combine the output of Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties, we surpass the agricultural value of Ukraine, often called the “breadbasket of Europe.”

What makes our farmers the best isn’t just what they grow, it’s how they grow it. Central Valley agriculture leads the world in irrigation, water conservation and crop diversity. Farmers here have turned challenges like drought, regulation and rising costs into opportunities for innovation. Through technology, careful land management and a deep respect for the soil, they continue to prove that world-class agriculture is possible right here at home.

This success doesn’t just feed families, it fuels our entire economy. Agriculture supports tens of thousands of local jobs, from field hands and packers to truck drivers, processors and exporters. Every dollar grown in a Central Valley field multiplies into several more throughout our communities, keeping small businesses alive and families working.

I will continue fighting for the resources our farmers need, reliable water supplies, fair regulations and investment in agricultural infrastructure. We can’t take this success for granted. The world depends on what we produce here, and California’s future depends on protecting the people who make it possible. Central Valley farmers are hardworking, innovative, and embody the best of who we are. They don’t just feed California, they feed the world.

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Nathan Magsig represents District 5 as a member of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. He is running to represent California Senate District 12.