Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Releases Initial Survey Results of Storm Impacts on Monterey County Agriculture

 

The County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is releasing initial results of a

survey of flood and storm impacts on Monterey County agriculture. These results show damages,

current loss estimates and projected future losses totaling $336 Million.

This survey was launched on January 22, 2023 and reflects information from more than 50

respondents. Ag industry leaders continue to encourage more farmers and ranchers to contribute

information.

“We want to know the full scope of these storm impacts and hope those who have not yet shared

information will do so,” says Juan Hidalgo, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner. “It is

critical to have a comprehensive assessment of the damage to support recovery efforts, including

warranting state and federal aid.”

Key organizations such as the Grower Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey

County Farm Bureau and Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association are assisting the

County by distributing the survey and encouraging participation. The survey can be found at

bit.ly/3JaJudY.

The survey asks about specific damages and projected estimates and reveals the following:

• Acres damaged: 15,705

• Value of crops lost, planted, and projected future losses: 324.1 Million. Crops most impacted

include romaine lettuce, strawberries, wine grapes, celery, carrots, broccoli, and garlic.

• Damage to farm infrastructure and facilities: $9.6 Million

• To date, survey responses reflect damage throughout Monterey County with the costliest

impacts to acreage in southern Monterey County (63%).

Monterey County has 1,104 farms according to the most recent U.S. Farm Census and total crop

acres are 366,709. The 2021 Monterey County Crop and Livestock Report values agriculture

production at $4.1 Billion.