A new study from the University of Arizona highlights the significant role of Yuma County in the state’s economy, revealing that its agriculture and agribusiness sectors generated a staggering $4.4 billion in economic activity last year. This strong performance is reflected in Yuma’s ranking as the third largest producer nationwide of vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, with a robust retail value reaching $3.2 billion.
The study also sheds light on the efficient water use in Yuma’s agriculture. For each $1,000 in vegetable sales, Yuma used merely 0.63 acre-feet of water. In contrast, the average for the Colorado Basin was 1.44 acre-feet, demonstrating Yuma’s commitment to sustainable practices amidst growing water concerns.
Yuma County boasts an impressive concentration of vegetable farmers, which is 58 times higher than the national average, rivaling renowned industrial sectors like Detroit’s auto manufacturing. This extensive agricultural landscape underscores Yuma’s importance as a powerhouse of agricultural innovation and production in America.
As the researchers present their findings, they equate Yuma’s agricultural influence to Hollywood’s film industry and Silicon Valley’s tech innovations, reflecting its pivotal role in the national food supply chain. Key analysts from the University of Arizona describe the county as dynamic, with sophisticated operations that extend well beyond mere crop production.
Utilising a custom multiregional input-output model, researchers assessed the direct and indirect economic contributions from farming and related industries in Yuma. The resulting data, primarily sourced from the latest USDA Census of Agriculture in 2022, reveals just how critical these agricultural operations are to the local economy, bolstering various economic activities.
In total, agricultural operations have contributed a remarkable $2.8 billion directly to Yuma County’s economy, encompassing $1.3 billion from crop industries and additional figures from livestock and agricultural support services. Analysts noted that Yuma’s agribusiness sector thrives not just in production but also encompasses intricate supply chains and post-harvest activities, reflecting a wide-ranging economic impact.
The University of Arizona’s study reveals Yuma County’s agriculture generates $4.4 billion in economic activity, with a significant retail value of $3.2 billion from produce. Yuma uses only 0.63 acre-feet of water per $1,000 in vegetables sold, demonstrating efficiency compared to the Colorado Basin. With a vast concentration of farmers, Yuma is likened to Hollywood and Silicon Valley in its agricultural influence, contributing $2.8 billion directly to the local economy.
In summary, the economic impact study illustrates Yuma County’s vital role in Arizona’s agriculture, showcasing its impressive $4.4 billion contribution to the state’s economy. The research highlights the county’s efficient water usage and the extraordinary concentration of agricultural activities, equating Yuma’s agricultural prowess to industry giants like Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Thus, Yuma stands as a cornerstone of agricultural achievement and profitability, vital for both local and national food production.
Original Source: news.arizona.edu
