Agriculture has long been at the heart of Kern County’s economy; recently, new emphasis has been placed on the potential economic benefits of “value-added” agriculture for Kern County.  Value-added agriculture can be defined as the transformation of agricultural products to a higher value for the ultimate consumer.

An example of this is carrots which are processed into smaller, “baby” carrots, or using the carrots in the production of vegetable juice. Value is being added to the raw carrot by using it in other ways. Examples of local value-added companies include Rio Bravo Tomato Plant, Frito-Lay and Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream.

Support service companies are an integral link in the value added agricultural chain and, therefore, are also an important link of “value-added” agriculture.  For example, the companies that manufacture bags or cartons for the food processor would be considered “support service” companies in the value added agricultural chain.

Contact  Melinda Brown at (661) 862-5058.