2016 Agriculture Crop Report for Santa Barbara County

Source: County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

The 2016 Santa Barbara County Agricultural Crop Production Report was released today by the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. In 2016, agricultural products grown in the county surpass $1 billion, according to Agricultural Commissioner Cathy Fisher. The 2016 report, as well as the reports since 1916, can be found online at www.agcommissioner.com.

Agriculture continues to be the county’s major producing industry with a gross production value of more than $1.43 billion in 2016.  However, this is a decrease of $52.4 million or 3.7 percent when compared with 2015.  

“Poor water quality and labor issues continue to impact most if not all commodity groups throughout the county,” said Commissioner Fisher.  “The crop report provides a glimpse into the county’s rich agricultural history and includes a collection of pictures and beautiful packing crate labels provided by many of the county’s growers.” 

The annual crop report documents the acreage, yield and gross dollar value of agricultural commodities produced in Santa Barbara County.  It must be emphasized that the report shows gross values.  Production costs such as labor, production, transportation and marketing costs must be subtracted to determine net returns to growers. Santa Barbara County is California’s 13th-ranked county in total agricultural production.  

For more information about Santa Barbara County government, go to www.CountyofSB.org.