County ag production up $7.2M

In the report’s cover letter, Crowder highlights the commodities whose values showed significant changes between 2016 and 2017. Indoor potted plants increased $3.6 million while Brussels sprouts and pumpkins contributed to the $2.2 million increase in vegetable crop values.

“It’s important to remember that life in San Mateo County is as much about agriculture as it is about technology. You can’t eat your mobile device but, thankfully, it can help you find a farmers’ market. Agriculture and its crops are important to our health and well-being. We need to thank the men and women who contribute to its vitality and bring fruits and vegetables to our table,” Crowder said.

Outside of the usual suspects like Brussels sprouts — perennially the county’s top vegetable crop — other industries proved bright spots, too. San Mateo County is a challenging landscape for grape production but better weather improved wine grape values from $703,000 to $1.2 million. Cattle and calves also fared well, with a 1,574 sold headcount valued at $2.5 million — a 29 percent increase for the livestock group, according to a press release.

Not all groups posted improvements. Outdoor floral and nursery crops dropped $1.3 million to a group value of $20.1 million and forest products declined 20 percent to $3.7 million. These commodities were significantly up in the previous report and largely contributed to the higher overall values. Commercial fish catch values are also down to 8.9 million pounds landed with a value of $11.2 million. The lower fish catch was largely because elevated levels of domoic acid shortened the Dungeness crab season, and there was a significant drop in the pounds of squid landed. Although commercial fish catch data is included in the Annual Crop Report, the value is not included in the figures for overall agricultural production, according to the release.

Despite some specific categorical decreases, the overall numbers are stronger than the span of 2014 and 2015 when local agriculture values dropped $19.7 million due to a mix of factors including a shortage of migrant farm labor which in turn led to substantial cutbacks in floral and nursery production, according to the release.

Labor shortages and issues in agriculture persist, Crowder said.

For example, acreage for Brussels sprouts and pumpkins is down almost 20 percent. However, higher per unit values for premium, fresh market crops plus direct-to-customer sales at agricultural tourism events contributed to higher returns. These types of adjustments are key if farmers are to continue growing, as the environment for farming has never been more challenging, Crowder said.