b'E C O N O M YOver 7% of the State of Idahos agricultural employment comes from Gem County farms and ranching operations. The countys agricultural sector relies on a vast network of canals and river systems reaching to the reservoirs of Black Canyon Dam, Cascade Dam, and Deadwood Damworth well over $200,000,000 (according to the Bureau of Reclamation). Agriculture brings to the valley a sense of community and vast, open spaces, which make it well-worth protecting. The number of farms has increased by 51% since 1992. The number of acres in farms has also grown 20% from 184,740 acres in 1997 to 221,200 acres in 2002, however the average farm size has dropped 4% to 276 acres as well as the Market Value of production has fallen 9% from $30,078,000 in 1997 to $27,467,000 in 2002. Out of the 44 counties in Idaho, Gem County is ranked 28 in market value of agricultural products sold.The industry in Gem County with the highest employment is Government with 855 employees followed closely by farm employment with 850 employees demonstrating that agriculture remains a signicant contributor to the area economy and should be encouraged. Gem County ranks 41 out of 44 in tourism dollars generated.Emmetts economic advantages include low taxes; a large well-trained labor pool (especially in manufacturing disciplines), low energy rates, and aordable housing. Gem County and the City of Emmett, the Gem Economic Development Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and other agencies work together extremely well to foster business expansion, retention, and economic development. This partnership has helped new businesses expand or locate in the Gem community.8AgricultureTotal and Per Farm Overview, 2017 and change since 20122017 % change since 2012Number of farms 860 +4Land in farms (acres) 183,177 +2Average size of farm (acres) 213 -1Percent of county land in farms 50.6%FIGURE 6. Gem County Total Farm Overview 92017 Market Value of Agricultural Products SoldCounties Sales ($1,000) Rank in State Producing ItemTotal39,182 26 44Crops15,510 36 44Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, dry peas5,070 33 42Tobacco- - -Cotton and cottonseed- - -Vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes526 25 41Fruits, tree nuts, berries(D) 3 37398 I D A H O I N F R A S T R U C T U R E G U I D E B O O K'