2023 Annual Crop Statistics Released

Author: Martin Settevendemie, County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Date: 9/24/2024 6:00 AM

The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures announces the release of the 2023 production statistics for the local agricultural industry.

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Crop values for San Luis Obispo County reached another record high in 2023, as overall farmgate value edged past $1.1 billion for the first time. Despite significant storm related damage early in the year, crops thrived under ideal growing conditions that led to strong yields across multiple crop sectors.  

After four years of strawberries being the county’s most valuable crop, winegrapes moved back into the top slot based on excellent growing conditions and steady prices. Combined, winegrapes and strawberries continue to account for more than half of the county’s overall crop value, while the county’s diverse geography and microclimates continue to support an incredibly wide variety of other crops. 

These figures represent only commodity gross values and do not reflect net profits received by local agricultural producers.  Also, reported values do not include multipliers related to secondary economic benefits.

The top ten commodities by value in 2023 were:

1.         Wine Grapes
2.         Strawberries
3.         Cattle and Calves
4.         Broccoli
5.         Avocados
6.         Vegetable and Ornamental Transplants
7.         Brussels Sprouts
8.         Cauliflower
9.         Cut Flowers
10.       Celery

Crop values tend to swing from year to year based on overall production, growing conditions, and market trends, and 2023 was no exception. The animal industry experienced a significant increase driven by an almost 39% rise in cattle prices. The fruit and nut sector increased 10% with wine grapes overtaking strawberries as the top crop spurred by an upswing in overall production. Above normal rainfall bolstered field crop yields leading the sector to a slight 1.9% value increase on the year. Nursery products remained relatively stable despite unpredictable market trends and increased input costs. The vegetable sector, which was the only group to experience a decrease in overall value, dropped 17% primarily due to a substantial decline in harvested acres.

“Farming is an unpredictable and complex industry that requires a high degree of individual commitment and collaboration. The persistence and innovative nature of our agricultural producers and agricultural associations helps to keep our industry stable. Each year, challenges present themselves and invariably our farmers and ranchers rise to the occasion to overcome those challenges. We owe them all a debt of gratitude for their unwavering dedication to maintaining our food supply and sustaining one of the largest economic drivers in San Luis Obispo County,” said Martin Settevendemie, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer.

Read the digital version of the 2023 Annual Crop Report. Historical Annual Reports from 1928 through 2022 can be viewed in the Crop Report Library.