California's agricultural industry generates $32 billion annually.

For more than 50 consecutive years, California has been the No. 1 agricultural state in the nation. California currently produces over 350 different crops which enter state, national and international commerce. The California Department of Food and Agriculture assists in the promotion and administrative oversight of agricultural marketing programs in order to promote California agricultural products.

In 1971, a few ginners began meeting. They were concerned over a series of regulations being imposed by State and Federal agencies. Ginners attending those early meetings were intent on abandoning the old "lone wolf" policy which had become so prevalent in the industry. What they envisioned was an organization that would represent a united front. And so it was that the California Cotton Ginners Association was formed.

Today, the California Cotton Ginners Association is a dynamic, aggressive Association, whose members currently own and/or operate 87 ginning plants and gin 100% of the approximate 2.5 million bales of cotton produced annually in California. Of the 87 gins, 68 are saw gins and 19 are roller gins. Through the years, the Association has changed with the times.

American Pima cotton production in California is forecast at 330,000 bales, unchanged from last month’s forecast, but down 18 percent from the 2008 crop. Harvested acreage is estimated at 127,000 acres with an average yield of 1,247 pounds per acre.

Upland cotton is forecast at 218,000 bales, unchanged from last month’s forecast, but down 41 percent from last year. With 70,000 harvested acres, the yield is 1,495 pounds per acre.

As of Nov. 1, cotton harvest was nearly complete in Kern and Fresno counties while Tulare and Merced counties advanced towards completion under mostly dry weather conditions.

C.C.G.A. now has permanent offices in Fresno, California. The full-time staff of three currently includes a President/CEO, an engineer who is Vice President and Director of Technical Services, and a Secretary/Receptionist. The Association has also retained the best medical, legal and political experts possible. C.C.G.A. has become the innovator of change for the ginning industry throughout the entire country.

Our Farmers keep California green!

Currently California is about as large as Japan. or Marocco, or Uzbekistan.

One in every three planted acres in America is designated for export. The percentage is the same for all of California agriculture. However, for many crops grown in the Golden State, exports represent a much higher percentage of total production. For example:

• 70 percent of almond production.

• 38 percent of fresh oranges and orange juice.

• 40 percent of rice production.

• 45 percent of walnut production.

• 57 percent of pistachio production.

Exports are the economic underpinning of California and U.S. agriculture. They represent more than $100 billion in agricultural income for the U.S.

In 2006, California exported $9.7 billion in agricultural products to more than 150 countries setting a new record for the state. Leading export products included almonds, wine, dairy and products, cotton and table grapes. The top destinations for California agricultural products included the EU, Canada, Japan, China/Hong Kong and Mexico.

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