Monterey County Crop Values Increase in 2019

SALINAS – Agricultural Commissioner Henry Gonzales announced on Tuesday, June 23 that the economic value of Monterey County agriculture increased by 3.5% in 2019 as compared to 2018, with crop production values of $4.4 billion. The State-required annual crop report documents the details of the overall increases and decreases.
Monterey County’s 2019 top crops include increases between 5% and 15%. As the top crop, leaf lettuce had a 14.6% increase from 2018, mostly due to better pricing for Romaine lettuce. Strawberries benefitted from improved pricing as well and came in 2nd with a 4.9% increase. The 3rd most valuable crop was head lettuce with an increase of 11.9% due to increased production and higher average pricing. Broccoli held to 4th place with an increase of 17.6%, also because of increased production.
The Vegetable Crops category showed a 13.6% increase over 2018. The Fruits and Nuts category decreased $15,710,000 to $1,028,146,000 primarily due to a reduction in Wine Grapes of 24.8% for a total of $186,096,000. Without Wine Grapes, there was an increase in Fruits and Nuts of 5.7%. A decrease of 29.5% was noted in Nursery Crops as a result of decreased acreage, production and prices influenced by an increase in imports and demand for cannabis greenhouse production.
Due to late season, above-average rainfall, the Field Crops category, which includes livestock, alfalfa and pastureland, showed an increase in value by $806,000 to $24,554,000. Remaining stable at $110,580,000 were Livestock and Poultry.
The 2019 Monterey County Crop Report focuses attention on Invasive Species. These pests can wreak havoc on agricultural production. Through diligent monitoring and treatment, management and eradication are possible.
• Other speakers at the briefing included: Aaron Johnson, Monterey County NORML, Coastal Growers Association
• Carolyn O’Donnell, Communications Director, California Strawberry Commission;
• Chris Valadez, President, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California
• Colby Pereira, President, Board of Directors, Monterey County Farm Bureau;
• Kim Stemler, Executive Director, Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. The crop report was released at a public briefing through Zoom. It may be downloaded from the Agricultural Commissioner’s web site at ag.co.monterey.ca.us/.

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