Agriculture production shrinks:
US (CA): Ornamental crops increased in value in 2014
At the same time, the total value of San Diego county’s agricultural production decreased for the first time since 2009 – from $1.85 billion to just under $1.82 billion – and just the third time since 1996.
The total number of acres in production dropped by 12.1 percent, the largest decrease in 18 years.
Those are just a few of the statistical stories found in the annual Crop Report released this week by the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures.
The report, which covers 2014, is a yearly snapshot of an industry that has been squeezed over the years by freezes, fires, pests, diseases and most recently, a historic drought, but also one that has not only survived, but generally continued to grow.
“The slight drop in production value comes as no surprise in light of the challenges faced by farmers from the drought and the rising cost of water,” Larson said. “In fact, the change is small enough to be seen as a testament to the resolve of farmers to overcome the water issues.”
“Our growers continue to find effective ways to address challenges like the drought and invasive pests,” Dang said. “And the Board of Supervisors continues to support them, promoting and encouraging agriculture. That combined effort contributes to the sustainability of San Diego County’s thriving agricultural community and environment.”
The Crop Report, stated that each of the top three crops — ornamental trees and shrubs; indoor flowering and foliage plants; and bedding plants, color and herbaceous perennials – increased in value in 2014.
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