The Sacramento region's agriculture fuels a thriving economy, generating $12 billion yearly and supporting more than 55,000 jobs. What started as a simple celebration of local food became a multibillion-dollar industry and the backbone of America's Farm-to-Fork Capital.
With its Mediterranean climate and year-round growing season, the city is a model for how fresh, locally grown produce can inspire communities and shape the future of food.
"Sacramento sits in the middle of the richest agricultural region in the world, a daily reminder of the bounty that surrounds us," says Patrick Mulvaney, owner of Mulvaney's B&L and a champion of the local farm-to-table scene. "Living in Sacramento, we get to celebrate living in the Farm to Fork Capital, from apples to zucchini (or zinfandel)."
America's Farm-To-Fork Capital: A Movement Takes Root
In 2012, Josh Nelson of Selland Family Restaurants had an idea: highlight Sacramento's incredible farms and culinary talent on a national stage. Nelson partnered with Visit Sacramento, and his vision soon turned into action. Former Mayor Kevin Johnson officially declared Sacramento America's Farm-to-Fork Capital.
Today, the region's " Farm-to-Fork " program spotlights the restaurants, farmers, and organizations that make Sacramento a leader in sustainable, local cuisine.
This focus on agriculture isn't new; it's how Sacramento has always been. The region produces a staggering amount of crops year-round.
96% of California's rice crop comes from the Sacramento Valley, much of which finds its way to sushi bars across the United States. Sacramento-based Blue Diamond is the largest almond processor in the world, supplying 80% of the globe's almonds. Ninety-six percent of the country and 33% of the world's processed tomatoes come from within 250 miles of the Sacramento region, earning the city's old nickname of "Sacra-tomato."
Additionally, Sacramento leads the nation in domestic caviar production, with 80% farmed in the greater Sacramento region and supplied to some of the nation's finest restaurants and providers, including Petrossian and Per Se in New York City.
Farm-Fresh Food for Everyone
Sacramento's farm-to-table ethos extends beyond restaurants into its community, reaching schools, hospitals, and public programs. The city's UC Davis Medical Center states its ultimate goal is to source most of its food program within 250 miles of its Sacramento campus.
Each day, Sacramento City Unified School District's Central Kitchen prepares 43,000 meals for students at 80 schools. The farm-to-school program helps students connect with local food by introducing them to the farmers and producers who supply fresh, healthy ingredients in their school meals.
The culinary team at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento takes pride in sourcing nearly 90% of its ingredients within a 150-mile radius, allowing fans to savor farm-to-fork flavors while enjoying the action courtside.
Restaurants Leading the Way
Sacramento's restaurants are the heart of its farm-to-table movement, creating menus that evolve with the seasons. At Mulvaney's B&L, guests can enjoy dishes featuring heirloom tomatoes in the summer and wild mushrooms in the fall.
Camden Spit and Larder, another local favorite, sources ingredients from nearby farms, crafting meals that reflect the Sacramento Valley's bounty. "At Camden Spit & Larder, we prioritize locally sourced ingredients to support our community's farmers and ensure the freshest flavors," says Chef Oliver Ridgeway. "This commitment allows our menus to showcase the vibrant, seasonal bounty of Sacramento, elevating each dish with a sense of place and quality.
"By sourcing locally, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of our region, creating dishes that truly resonate with the spirit of Sacramento with our British twist!"
Sacramento's Vibrant Market Scene
The city hosts California's largest certified farmers' market, showcasing the incredible variety of produce grown and the community's love for local flavors.
"Farm to Fork is how Sacramento lives, from the year-round outdoor markets to seeing farmers' names on menus and in grocery stores," says Mulvaney. "Agriculture and the agricultural community are part of the fabric of this city, and we're proud to share our farm to fork lifestyle with the world."
With more than 40 farmers' markets in the region, Sacramento makes it easy for growers and consumers to connect, ensuring fresh food is always within reach.
Dinner on the Bridge: Sacramento's Signature Celebration
One of the region's most iconic events is the annual Tower Bridge Dinner. Top-rated chefs, local farmers, and the community gather on Sacramento's historic Tower Bridge for an unforgettable meal under the open sky. The wildly popular event serves more than 800 guests who dine on locally sourced dishes while overlooking the Sacramento River, celebrating the farm-to-table movement in the most delicious way possible.
“This event is so much more than a dinner on a bridge,” says Mike Testa, President & CEO of Visit Sacramento. “It’s a moment for our culinary community to come together, outside of their own respective kitchens, and create something magical as a team. And it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate the incredible chefs, farmers, ranchers, vintners, purveyors, hospitality workers and so many more who make Sacramento what it is today.”
The Visit Sacramento-led event helps fund programs that make fresh, local food accessible to underserved communities.
With 1.5 million acres of farmland and 70% of the region dedicated to agriculture and open space, Sacramento has a natural advantage in leading the farm-to-table movement. It's a legacy rooted in fresh, local food, strong community connections, and a deep commitment to supporting local farmers.
