farm employment and wages
Agriculture generates 20% of the jobs in the Central Valley.

Definition:
This measures the impact of agriculture on employment in the Central Valley, and wages for farm workers.

Why is it important?
Agriculture provides jobs directly through farming operations. It also generates jobs in related industries such as food processing, transportation, equipment sales, and other vertically integrated production processes.

How are we doing?
Agriculture provides nearly 20% of jobs in the Central Valley. Eight and a half percent are directly related to agriculture, such as farm laborers. Eleven percent are from businesses based on agriculture, such as food processing or farm management. Statewide, agriculture provides 5.8% of jobs, 2.5% directly and 3.3% indirectly.

On average, farm wages in the Central Valley are the lowest of all industries. However, within the Central Valley farm wages vary considerably by subregion. They are highest in the North Valley and lowest in the South San Joaquin Valley. Average farm wages exceed the state average by almost 10% (Central Valley average at $9.96/hour compared to the California average at $9.02/hour).

Original text found in: The Economy Report 2005