Farmers and ranchers manage their wildlife as an extension of their agricultural activities. The state's private foresters use advanced and sustainable forest management practices to ensure that there will be an abundance of trees for recreation, wildlife and a host of high-quality wood products. Agriculture is recognized as the leading industry in the state, producing jobs and economic wealth extending into towns and major cities of California. Few make the connection to the farmer or rancher who provided it, or the cast of thousands who helped harvest, pack, process, ship, market, advertise and retail the food. California farmers are the beginning of an efficient and modern system that delivers food, fiber, flowers and forest products.
Food is very affordable.
In fact, U.S. consumers spend less than 11 percent of their disposable income for food. The structure of Farm Bureau in California is grassroots. Farm Bureau is an organization that is farmer fed and farmer lead. Farmers and ranchers themselves are the glue that hold the organization together and the guiding force for its goals and objectives. Food and Farm News is a daily news service that delivers fresh, factual news about agriculture and food production via the organization's Web site.