Yuma County, Arizona, stands as a cornerstone of American agriculture, blending a rich farming tradition with cutting-edge efficiency to annually during the winter feed the nation and fuel economic growth. Yuma agriculture alone generated $1.3 billion in direct sales in 2022, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture.  

And a 2024 study, Economic Contribution of Yuma County Agriculture, conducted by the University of Arizona’s Department of Agriculture & Resource Economics and Cooperative Extension, underscores Yuma’s pivotal role in agriculture and agribusiness. Authored by Dari Duval, Claudia Montanía, George Frisvold, and José Quintero, the report builds on a 2015 study, offering a fresh look at how Yuma’s farms drive prosperity while mastering water use in a desert environment.

A Legacy of High-Value Crops

Yuma’s agricultural landscape is defined by its focus on high-value specialty crops, particularly winter vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and melons. In 2022, the county’s leafy greens generated $1.3 billion in direct sales, with livestock adding $167.3 million. The shift from lower-value field crops to these specialty crops since 1969 has boosted crop production value to this billion-dollar number, making Yuma the third-ranked county nationally for the vegetable, melon, potato, and sweet potato category sales. With 29% of Arizona’s agricultural cash receipts, Yuma accounts for 56% of the state’s agricultural GDP, contributing 14.5% to the county’s total GDP, according to the U of A study.

Yuma’s climate—mild winters and abundant sunshine—creates the longest growing season in the U.S., enabling it to supply 80-90% of America’s leafy greens during winter months.

John Boelts, Yuma farmer and Arizona Farm Bureau President captures the region’s unique value by saying, “The opportunities that we have in Yuma to farm are pretty remarkable. It’s beyond a unique place. It’s a special place. There’s no other place like it in our country and not many other places like it around the world.”

Economic Ripple Effects

The  U of A study reveals Yuma’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors contributed $4.4 billion to Arizona’s economy in 2022, including the multiplier effects. Within Yuma County, on-farm production, support services, input suppliers, and university research generated $3.9 billion in sales. Forward-linked industries, such as produce delivery and processing, added $254 million, while demand for goods and services spurred $274 million in sales and 988 jobs in other Arizona counties, primarily Maricopa.

Nationally, Yuma’s fresh produce value chain is massive, driving $3.2 billion in consumer retail spending, $715 million in wholesale output, and $39 million in food service spending. Agricultural support services, including labor contracting, contributed $411 million locally, with input suppliers adding $944 million. University-linked research and Extension, while smaller at $4 million, bolster innovation and sustainability.

Water Efficiency in a Desert Oasis

Yuma’s ability to thrive in a desert hinge on its water productivity, drawing from the Colorado River with senior water rights. The study highlights Yuma’s economic water productivity at $1,581 per acre-foot of water used, far surpassing the Colorado River Basin’s average of $692. Yuma’s Blue Water Footprint—0.63 acre-feet per $1,000 in crop sales—is less than half the basin’s average, reflecting efficient irrigation practices like gravity-fed systems and multi-cropping. Despite consuming just 8% of the basin’s irrigation water, Yuma generates 18% of its crop sales.

A Specialized Agricultural Hub

Yuma’s dominance in vegetable production mirrors Silicon Valley’s tech prowess or Detroit’s auto industry. With a Location Quotient of 58 for vegetable and melon farming—58 times the national average—Yuma is a specialized powerhouse. Its irrigated land commands the highest cash rental rate in the Colorado River Basin and ranks 15th nationally, signaling exceptional productivity. The county manages over $2 billion in farm assets, including $1.8 billion in land and buildings, underscoring its economic weight.

Dr. George Frisvold, a professor at the University of Arizona and team member on this study, has compared Yuma’s agricultural significance to Silicon Valley’s dominance in technology. In media interviews and on a major documentary, he stated, “Yuma is to agriculture like what Detroit is to autos, or Silicon Valley is to computers and technology. It's on that scale of concentration and national importance.”

Ultimately, Yuma’s agriculture not only feeds millions but also sustains jobs, innovation, and economic stability. Its high-value crops, water efficiency, and national impact cement its status as an agricultural titan. As challenges like labor shortages and water management loom, Yuma’s resilience and adaptability will keep it at the forefront of American farming.

 

 

Methodology and Scope of the Yuma Study

Using the IMPLAN Pro 2022 model and data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the study conducted three analyses: on-farm and related activities, forward-linked industries, and impacts on other Arizona counties via a multi-regional input-output model. This comprehensive approach captures direct, indirect, and induced economic effects, painting a full picture of Yuma’s agricultural influence.