Ventura County, renowned for its lush landscapes and fertile soils, has always been a hub for agricultural prosperity. Agricultural Commissioner Edmund E. Williams unveiled the 2019 Ventura County Crop and Livestock Report on July 28, providing a detailed insight into the county's agricultural production and its economic implications.
The report encapsulates gross values, not accounting for the net return to growers or the multiplier effect on the local economy. The estimated gross value of Ventura County’s agriculture for 2019 is a staggering $1,990,100,000, albeit a 5% decrease compared to 2018. These totals are utilized by growers to manage various expenses, including worker wages, utility bills, loans, insurance, taxes, and other farming costs.
Strawberries have crowned themselves as the undisputed leader in Ventura County's agricultural scene, securing the No. 1 spot at $508,371,000, despite a 24% decrease from 2018. Following strawberries, celery ascended to second place for the first time, pushing lemons to third, with respective values of $243,455,000 (an 18% increase) and $211,104,000 (a 14% decrease). Other notable mentions include raspberries, nursery stock, avocados, tomatoes, cut flowers, and peppers, each contributing significantly to the county's agricultural wealth.
Interestingly, hemp, reintroduced into Ventura County in 2018, ousted cabbage to claim the 10th spot, boasting a value of $35,460,000.
Ventura County, with its diverse and rich agricultural production, continues to be a pivotal player in the local economy, despite the challenges and fluctuations observed in 2019. The dominance of strawberries, along with the significant contributions from other crops, underscores the county's agricultural prowess and its crucial role in feeding the local and national populace.
