The Contribution of Arizona’s Vegetable and Melon Industry Cluster to the State Economy

Abstract

Vegetable and melon production is an important part of Arizona’s agricultural economy. In addition to on-farm production, there is a cluster of other industries that perform post-harvest activities, ensuring high-quality produce reaches consumers. The perishable nature of these products requires coordination between industries and logistical efficiency. Estimating vegetable and melon production’s contribution to the Arizona economy warrants an examination of the whole value chain: farming, packing, cooling, storing, processing, trucking, and wholesaling. This study estimates the contribution of Arizona's vegetable and melon industry cluster to the state economy in 2014, including direct sales, as well as economic activity supported through indirect and induced multiplier effects.