The economic study underscores the dynamic growth that the California dairy industry, the largest in the country, has enjoyed in recent years and assesses all aspects of the state’s dairy business, from the production of milk and dairy products to retail and foodservice sales. The study was conducted for the CMAB by J/D/G Consulting Inc., an independent dairy industry research firm based in Florida, and updates a 2002 study that placed the industry’s economic impact on the state at $35.1 billion.

“In terms of economic impact, California’s dairy business is one of the largest agriculture forces in the state,” said Stan G. Andre, Chief Executive Officer of the CMAB. “California dairy families are creating jobs and revenues throughout California communities. Based on milk sales within the state, each dollar in farm milk sales generates eight dollars in local economic activity, benefiting a range of Californians — from those growing feed to those working in cheese plants and supermarkets,” Andre said.