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
2021 Sonoma County Crop Report
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Receive the 2021 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 every year since 1928. The 2021 report shows a total gross production value of $811,446,600, a 19.2% increase from our 2020 value of $680,648,600.
Separate from the annual crop report, information regarding Cannabis data is attached to this report as additional information related to agricultural activities in our county.
All Crop Reports are available on the Department’s website at <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.
The 2021 Crop Report highlights the water challenges faced by producers. In 2021, widespread water shortages required producers to adapt diminishing water supplies by reducing operations, turning to alternative water sources, and changing cultural practices. We want to recognize the hardships our farmers, ranchers, and producers face while maintaining a diverse agricultural industry and their continued work through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
The reported total value for 2021 was $811,446,600 which represents a 19.2% increase from our 2020 value of $680,648,600. The report reflects the gross production values and does not account for costs such as production, processing, and bringing the commodity to market.
The 2021 winegrape growing season saw growers adapting to the different challenges of a multi-year drought. The 2021 crop was heavier despite limited water availability and early season cold damage. A mild growing season and lack of extreme heat late in the summer saw for an uneventful, but slightly early harvest. Tonnage saw a return to historical averages with an increase of 39.1% from 2020 to 206,011 tons while value per ton for winegrapes increased to $2,626 per ton. As a result, total winegrape value increased 51% compared to 2020 at $540,954,500.
Apples saw a slight decline in value of Gravenstein apples from 2020. 2021 saw a 23% reduction in apple tonnage brought to market from 2020 because of inclement weather during bloom and continued drought stress. Gravenstein prices per ton decreased by 11%, while the price per ton for late apples also decreased due to a lack of demand for processed apples. Overall, the value of apples decreased by 24% compared to 2020.
The value of livestock and poultry products decreased 21% compared to 2020. This decrease is largely due to a 21% decrease in organic and conventional milk production despite a 10.8% increase in organic and a 13.7% increase in conventional milk value per unit. The value of wool production decreased 47% from 2020 due to a lack of global demand for wool and an increase in sheep depredation.
Nursery products value was up 30% from 2020. This is attributed to an increase of 33% in ornamental plant sales, an increase of 47% in miscellaneous nursery plant sales, and a 52% increase in cut flower sales, these combined make up the majority of nursery products. Bedding plants saw a decrease of 23.5% as more individuals reduced these plantings to conserve water. The increase in nursery product value from 2020 is also credited to an increase in demand of water-wise succulents, cacti, and replant projects as the county continues the rebuild process after the fires.
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.
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.
Prior Board Actions:
The Board received 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:
2021 Sonoma County Crop Report
2021 Sonoma County Crop Report Addendum - Cannabis and Hemp Production
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A