California still leads the nation in agriculture, generating roughly $60 billion annually from more than 77,000 farms. But the state now faces a California agriculture crisis as rising costs force many producers to downsize or sell off land, while legislators double subsidies for the film industry.
Farms Disappearing Amid Rising Expenses
In the past five years, California lost over 7,000 farms and retired nearly 1.5 million acres of productive farmland. During this same period, average farm operating costs rose by more than $150,000 per operation. Many farmers describe the situation as a tipping point, struggling with high labor costs, water limits, and regulatory burdens.
Film Subsidies Surge While Farms Struggle
At the same time, California lawmakers recently approved a substantial increase in tax breaks for the film industry, now totaling nearly double the support given to farming. Critics ask: Should entertainment get priority over food security? With farms closing, more water diverted, and local food under threat, the choice seems out of balance.
Why the Agriculture Crisis Matters
- Food supply vulnerability: Losing farmland makes California, the nation’s leading producer of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy, more reliant on out-of-state and imported food.
- Rural decline: Farmland usually anchors rural communities. When it disappears, so do jobs, services, and regional identity.
- Water woes: Farms consume most of the state’s water supply. Letting them go means water flows elsewhere—possibly into urban growth or film development.
What Needs to Change
Farm leaders and experts urge lawmakers to rebalance investments. They call for targeted relief—such as labor and water support—for struggling farms. They also recommend reviewing film subsidies to ensure taxpayer funds support essential services like food production.
This California agriculture crisis isn’t abstract—it’s happening now, impacting real farms, families, and communities. As California debates its budget priorities, the question remains: What’s more important, entertainment or ensuring reliable food and a secure food system?
Sources:
CalMatters. (2025, June). California is still No. 1 in ag, but farmers are losing ground while film gets more subsidies.
Ag Information Network. (2025). California lost 7,000 farms and fallowed 1.5 million acres.
