Anonymous
By the County of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released its 2022 Agricultural Crop Production Report on July 26, 2023. This statistical report summarizes the acreage, production and gross value of Santa Barbara County agriculture.
Agriculture continues to be Santa Barbara County’s largest producing industry with a gross production value of $1,930,445,000. This is an increase of 5.1% when compared with the 2021 figure.
It is important to note that the values represented in this report reflect gross value of agricultural commodities grown in Santa Barbara County, and does not consider costs associated with labor, planting, irrigation, and distribution among other production activities.
The combination of increases in strawberry acreage and yield resulted in the continuation of strawberries to remain as the top County crop with a gross value of $810,923,000, an increase of $10,347,000 from 2021. Cauliflower moved to the 2nd most valuable crop at $96,657,000, followed closely by wine grapes at the 3rd spot at $96,334,000 although wine grapes saw a decrease in value of 8.4%.
Cauliflower became the top vegetable crop for 2022. Demand for the vegetable has increased since the pandemic and with the rise in popularity of riced cauliflower and cauliflower products. The weather remained ideal during the growing season and growers reported good prices and crop volume with good size and color.
The Nursery category saw a decrease of 20% to $95,318,000 to place it as the 4th most valuable category as it continues to face labor shortages, foreign competition and alternative uses for greenhouses.
Livestock, Apiary, Field and Seeds Crops all saw an increase of 8.7%, 9.1%, and 8.5% respectively.
“This year’s Crop Production Report highlights the work and many years of service Cathy Fisher provided as Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Director. Her commitment to customer service and collaboration is one to be commended,” said Agricultural Commissioner Jose Chang.
The 2022 report, as well as other reports since 1916, can be found online at Crop Reports | Santa Barbara County, CA – Official Website (countyofsb.org).
