To: Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County
Department or Agency Name(s): Agriculture/Weights and Measures
Staff Name and Phone Number: Sue Ostrom 565-3836
Vote Requirement: Informational Only
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
9:00 A.M. - 2018 Sonoma County Crop Report
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Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
Receive the 2018 Sonoma County Crop Report (Informational Only)
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Executive Summary:
The Agricultural Commissioner is required by 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. The Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures has compiled the annual Crop Report every year since 1928. This year’s report shows a total gross production value of $1.1 billion, an increase of $212 million from 2017. This marks the first time that gross agricultural value has exceeded one billion dollars in Sonoma County. All Crop Reports are available on the Department’s website <http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Agriculture-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.
The 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 honors Sonoma County dairies, highlighting the history and evolution of the dairy industry over the years.
The reported total value for 2018 was $1,106,662,100, which represents a 24% increase from our 2017 value of $894,182,900. This is the first time in history that the gross value of agricultural commodities produced in Sonoma County has exceeded one billion dollars. This is the gross value and does not account for costs such as for production, processing, and bringing the commodity to market. While the overall winegrape value increased significantly from 2017, the increase in livestock and poultry products increased only slightly by two percent compared to 2017. This increase is largely due to a 20% increase in milk production, despite a 7% decrease in milk value per unit. Wool production increased nearly 18% from 2017.
Nursery product value was up 42.6% from 2017. This is attributed to an increase of 74.2% in ornamental sales, and a 27% increase in deciduous fruit and nut trees, cacti, and houseplants. Demand for nursery stock has risen locally as homes are rebuilt and landscapes are replaced, which has been augmented by more water availability as drought conditions have subsided. Increased sales can also be attributed to the opening of a new, large wholesale nursery in the county, as well as the expansion of some existing nurseries.
This data is provided through surveying more than 1,000 Sonoma County producers. Without the support and response to these surveys this report would not be possible.
Prior Board Actions:
The Board receives the Sonoma County Crop Report annually.
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:
Power Point Presentation
2018 Sonoma County Crop Report
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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