Strawberries retained their leading position in Ventura County, California, for the 25th consecutive year. The annual crop and livestock report indicated a 3% decline in the berry's estimated gross value, totaling nearly $709 million.
Agricultural Commissioner Korinne Bell informed county supervisors on June 24 that strawberries have dominated the list since 1999. In contrast, the local avocado industry experienced a surge, marking a 170% rise in value. "Avocados had their best year ever," Bell commented.
Seven crops exceeded the $100 million mark in estimated gross value. Among the notable challenges faced last year were heat waves and the Mountain Fire, which inflicted an estimated $9 million in damages to agriculture. The county's 93,025 acres of irrigated farmland yielded various crops, including berries, avocados, celery, and lemons, with a total gross value of approximately $2.3 billion. Sales increased around 7% from the preceding year, reflecting figures before accounting for expenses such as land leases, water, and labor.
Strawberries, the foremost crop, showed a decline in the fresh market. Avocados reached a gross value of nearly $339 million, a result of increased acreage from 16,947 to 19,282, with some avocado trees replacing lemon areas. "This was a great year for avocado production," Bell remarked. A report noted Cal Fire's engagement in firefighting activities in agricultural zones, as seen with the Mountain Fire affecting citrus and avocado territories.
Nursery stock, involving woody ornamentals and various plants, dropped to third, with an estimated gross value nearing $187 million, a reduction by around 10%. Changes in citrus tree production due to quarantine were noted. The celery crop grossed nearly $163 million last year, making the county the second-largest celery producer in California.
Raspberries experienced a slight decline, potentially due to heat waves, with an estimated gross value of $162 million. Lemons saw a 43% drop in value, recorded at $118 million in 2024, attributed to competition from abroad and rising production costs, in addition to quarantine implications.
Peppers rose significantly, almost doubling in value to reach $111 million, primarily in bell pepper production. Blackberries achieved nearly $72 million, a 2% increase. Blueberries saw a notable rise to close to $47 million, up 46%. Tomatoes remained in the top 10 with a gross estimated value of $41.8 million, showing a slight increase.
Source: VC Star
