Monterey County agriculture’s $11 billion impact on local economy, report finds
Updated: 5:09 PM PST Nov 19, 2025
A new report shows that Monterey County agriculture has contributed over $11 billion to the local economy in 2023. The Economic Contributions of Monterey County Agriculture report was released on Wednesday in conjunction with Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rich Ordonez’s briefing of the Board of Supervisors.According to the report, the county’s agriculture has supported 81,315 jobs and generated $32.1 million for the county’s economy per day.The annual study also shows that agriculture is the largest economic sector in the county by far.“This study goes beyond our annual agricultural report,” Ordonez said. “Instead of stopping at farm production values, it also quantifies local food processing, employment and economic ripple effects. The findings offer vital information for anyone who values a vibrant and resilient local economy.” Other things noted in the report include: Employment: 56,365 direct jobs (~1 in 4.7) plus ~24,951 additional jobs from multipliersShare of economy: 16.3% of the county’s $48.385 billion output (~$1 in $6); agriculture is the largest sector Composition: $7.897 billion direct output; $3.809 billion multiplier effects (suppliers + employee spending) 2023 total ag impact: $11.706 billion (production, processing, multipliers) = $32.1 million/day, $1.33 million/hour, $22,000+/minuteYou can view the full report HERE.
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. —
A new report shows that Monterey County agriculture has contributed over $11 billion to the local economy in 2023.
The Economic Contributions of Monterey County Agriculture report was released on Wednesday in conjunction with Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rich Ordonez’s briefing of the Board of Supervisors.
According to the report, the county’s agriculture has supported 81,315 jobs and generated $32.1 million for the county’s economy per day.
The annual study also shows that agriculture is the largest economic sector in the county by far.
“This study goes beyond our annual agricultural report,” Ordonez said. “Instead of stopping at farm production values, it also quantifies local food processing, employment and economic ripple effects. The findings offer vital information for anyone who values a vibrant and resilient local economy.”
Other things noted in the report include:
- Employment: 56,365 direct jobs (~1 in 4.7) plus ~24,951 additional jobs from multipliers
- Share of economy: 16.3% of the county’s $48.385 billion output (~$1 in $6); agriculture is the largest sector
- Composition: $7.897 billion direct output; $3.809 billion multiplier effects (suppliers + employee spending)
- 2023 total ag impact: $11.706 billion (production, processing, multipliers) = $32.1 million/day, $1.33 million/hour, $22,000+/minute
You can view the full report HERE.