To: Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures
Staff Name and Phone Number: Andrew F. Smith (707) 565-2371
Vote Requirement: Informational Only
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
2022 Sonoma County Crop Report
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Receive the 2022 Sonoma County Crop Report - Informational Only
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Executive Summary:
The Agricultural Commissioner is required by State law to annually compile and report crop and livestock statistics, as well as pest exclusion, management, and eradication activities to the Board of Supervisors and the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures staff has compiled the annual Crop Report since 1928. The 2022 report shows a total gross production value of $796,024,800, a 1.9% decrease from our 2021 value of $811,446,600.
Information regarding Cannabis cultivation in Sonoma County is attached to this report as an addendum.
All Crop Reports are available on the Department’s website at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/natural-resources/agricultural-weights-and-measures/crop-reports.
Discussion:
The annual Crop Report provides an accounting of Sonoma County agricultural commodity production and gross values, not net farm income, and is used in the community as a valuable resource for economic development, tourism, financing, and history by illustrating trends in agricultural production.
Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures activities are also highlighted in the report and include a summary of accomplishments for the Agriculture, Land Stewardship, and Weights & Measures Divisions. Data on non-agricultural crops such as commercial fish landings and timber harvests are also included from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Board of Equalization, respectively.
This year’s crop report highlights our nursery industry that produces an exceptional variety of plants and continues to thrive and provide our community with a reliable source of nursery stock for both agricultural producers and home gardeners. Sonoma County nurseries have a long history of supplying invaluable goods and the demand for these goods is demonstrated in the economic value they bring to our local agricultural economy. In 2022, growers faced many economic challenges such as rising fuel and labor costs. We want to recognize the hardships our nurseries face while contributing to a diverse agricultural industry and heritage in the county.
Drought conditions continued into 2022 in Sonoma County, forcing growers to adapt to dwindling water supplies. The lack of water continued to impact farms, nurseries, and the cost of feed. These impacts are reflected throughout the report.
The 2022 winegrape growing season saw growers adapting to the varied challenges of a multi-year drought. This year’s crop was lighter due to limited water availability and spring frosts. The growing season saw heat waves, late season rain, and a record early start for harvest. Tonnage took a slight dip from recent years to 190,864 tons, a decrease of 7.3% from 2021, while average value per ton increased to $2,869.62 from $2,625.85 in 2021. As a result, total winegrape value was $547,709,400, a 1.25% increase compared to 2021.
Apples saw an upward bump in value from 2021. In 2022, we saw 8.2% less apple tonnage brought to market in part due to freezing temperatures during bloom and continued drought stress. Gravenstein prices per ton increased by 49%, while the price per ton for late apples decreased slightly due to a lack of demand for processed apples. Overall, the value of apples increased by 8.5% compared to 2021.
The value of livestock and poultry products decreased 29% compared to 2021. This decrease is largely due to a 46% decrease in organic and conventional milk production despite a 17.6% increase in organic and a 64.8% increase in conventional milk value per unit. The value of wool production decreased 78% from 2021 due to a lack of global demand for wool and an increase in sheep predation.
In 2022, nursery products value increased 14.3% from 2021. This is attributed to an increase of 24.6% in bedding plant sales, an increase of 16.6% in miscellaneous nursery plant sales, and a 13.5% increase in cut flower sales which when combined make up the majority of nursery production. Christmas trees saw a decrease of 30.1% due to a low cycle in tree growth because of the ongoing drought. We also saw an increase in demand of water-wise succulents, cacti, and California native plants as consumers responded to the ongoing drought, further increasing nursery product values.
Cannabis cultivation in Sonoma County saw overall reductions of 81.5% in acreage and 80.5% in production due to reduced demand and market forces. Overall value for cultivation was down 66.9% as per unit prices increased for indoor and mixed-light grown cannabis. Cannabis nursery production was also down with a resulting reduction in value of 83.1%.
This data is collected through surveys of more than 1,000 Sonoma County producers. Without their support and responses to these surveys, this report would not be possible.
Strategic Plan:
N/A - the Agricultural Commissioner is required by State law to annually compile and report crop and livestock statistics, and pest exclusion, management, and eradication activities to the Board of Supervisors and the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
The Board of Supervisors has received the Sonoma County Crop Report annually since 1928. 10/4/2022 - The Board of Supervisors received the 2021 Sonoma County Crop Report
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
2022 Sonoma County Crop Report
2022 Sonoma County Crop Report Addendum - Cannabis Production
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A