Clovis and Its Agricultural Roots
Long before Clovis became a thriving suburban city, it was a hub for agriculture and lumber. The city was named after Clovis Cole, a prominent wheat farmer, and the surrounding land has been farmed for generations. Today, Fresno County is one of the most productive agricultural counties in the United States, producing almonds, grapes, citrus, pistachios, stone fruit, dairy, and much more. The foothills east of Clovis are part of the famous citrus belt, where frost-protected slopes produce sweet oranges and mandarins.
This guide highlights farming companies and cooperatives that define agriculture in the Clovis region. Selections are based on scale, quality, innovation, sustainability practices, and their importance to the regional economy.
The State of Farming Around Clovis
Central Valley farmers face significant challenges, including water scarcity, groundwater sustainability regulations, labor shortages, and rising costs. At the same time, global demand for California nuts, citrus, and dried fruit remains strong. The most successful farming companies combine traditional knowledge with modern technology, such as drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and data-driven crop management.
The Top 10 Farming Companies in the Clovis Region
1. The Wonderful Company
The Wonderful Company is one of the largest agricultural businesses in the world, producing pistachios, almonds, citrus, and pomegranates in the Central Valley. Its brands, including Wonderful Pistachios and Halos mandarins, are household names. The company is also known for investments in community programs and water efficiency.
2. Sun-Maid Growers of California
Sun-Maid is a grower-owned cooperative based in the Fresno area and an iconic brand for raisins and dried fruit. Its member growers farm vineyards across the San Joaquin Valley, and the cooperative has been a cornerstone of the regional economy for over a century.
3. Blue Diamond Growers
Blue Diamond is a cooperative of almond growers throughout California. It markets almonds worldwide and develops products such as almond milk and snacks, providing growers with access to global markets.
4. Sunkist Growers
Sunkist is a long-established citrus cooperative representing growers in California and Arizona. Many citrus growers in the foothills near Clovis market their fruit through cooperative networks like Sunkist.
5. Bee Sweet Citrus
Bee Sweet Citrus, based in Fresno County, grows, packs, and ships a wide variety of citrus, including mandarins, navel oranges, and lemons. It is known for quality fruit and a family-oriented company culture.
6. Fowler Packing Company
Fowler Packing is a Fresno-based grower and shipper of table grapes, stone fruit, and citrus. Its long history and focus on quality make it a respected name in Central Valley produce.
7. Simonian Fruit Company
Simonian Fruit Company is a family-owned grower and packer of stone fruit, citrus, and other produce in Fresno County. It has built a reputation for flavorful fruit and dependable service.
8. Harris Ranch
Harris Ranch, located in western Fresno County, is a diversified farming and ranching operation known for beef as well as crops such as almonds and vegetables. Its restaurant and inn along Interstate 5 are well-known landmarks.
9. Grimmway Farms
Grimmway Farms is one of the largest carrot growers in the world and a leader in organic produce through its Cal-Organic brand. Its operations span the southern San Joaquin Valley.
10. Setton Pistachio
Setton Pistachio is a major grower and processor of pistachios in the San Joaquin Valley, offering roasted, shelled, and flavored pistachios to customers around the world.
Trends in Central Valley Farming
Water management is the defining trend, with growers adopting drip and micro-irrigation, groundwater recharge projects, and soil moisture monitoring. Regenerative agriculture practices, such as cover cropping and compost use, are expanding. Automation, drones, and data analytics help farms reduce costs and labor needs. Consumers also increasingly value traceability and sustainability, influencing how farms operate and market their products.
Why These Companies Matter to Clovis
Agriculture supports thousands of jobs in Fresno County, from field work and packing to logistics, equipment sales, and agronomy services. Clovis residents enjoy fresh local produce at farmers markets and grocery stores, and the city's economy benefits from the wealth generated by farming. Agricultural education programs at local schools and Fresno State also help prepare the next generation of farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crops are most important near Clovis? Almonds, grapes, citrus, pistachios, and stone fruit are among the most valuable crops in Fresno County, along with dairy, poultry, and vegetables.
How are farms adapting to water challenges? Growers are investing in efficient irrigation, groundwater recharge basins, soil health practices, and in some cases fallowing land or switching to less water-intensive crops.
Can visitors experience local agriculture? Yes. The Fresno County Blossom Trail, which passes near Clovis in late winter and early spring, showcases blooming orchards, and many farm stands sell fresh fruit directly to the public during the season.
Conclusion
The farming companies around Clovis are among the most important in the nation. Through innovation, sustainability, and a deep commitment to quality, they continue to feed the world while sustaining the agricultural heritage that helped build Clovis.