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Receive the 2019 Solano County Crop and Livestock Report from the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures recommends that the Board of Supervisors receive a presentation on the 2019 Solano County Crop and Livestock Report.
SUMMARY:
Each year the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office submits to the Board of Supervisors and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Annual Crop and Livestock Report (Report). Compilation of the annual Report is a mandated duty of the County Agricultural Commissioner pursuant to the California Food and Agricultural Code section 2279. This year the Report recognizes the overall value of Solano County’s almond production industry.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Production of the Annual Crop and Livestock Report is mandated by the Food and Agricultural Code and is included in the normal budgeted activities of the Agriculture Department’s FY2020/21 Preliminary Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The Crop and Livestock Report provides the overall values received by producers for their products. Solano County’s 2019 gross agricultural production value is calculated at $372.1 million, a slight increase of less than one percent from 2018’s adjusted value of $371.7 million. 2019 marks the first-time almonds are the number one crop with a total value of $55.3 million. This years’ report includes a feature story highlighting almond’s rise to the County’s top agricultural commodity.
Six additional commodities including Processing Tomatoes, Cattle and Calves, Nursery Products, Walnuts, Alfalfa and Wine Grapes also grossed over $20 million in 2019. Processing Tomatoes ranked second in total value at $37.0 million, an increase of 7% due to higher yields and stronger pricing. Cattle and Calves ranked third in value at $36.9 million, a 5% reduction resulting from lower prices despite a total head count and liveweight consistent with 2018. Nursery Products, the previous years’ top crop, dropped to fourth position at $31.2 million, a 28% decrease in value from 2018 due to market fluctuations, business ownership changes, declines in tree and grapevine propagation and overall reduction in production acreage. Walnuts were the fifth ranked commodity gaining 9% in gross value to $27.4 million due to higher yields than 2018. Alfalfa, placed sixth in value, decreasing 14% to $27.1 million due to fewer acres planted. Wine grapes ranked seventh at $21.5 million, decreasing 27% due to a statewide oversupply of grapes and corresponding price reductions.
The report serves as a resource to a wide spectrum of users who use agricultural statistics for trend analysis. Although the report captures the value of harvested crops, it does not reflect the overall value of agriculture to Solano County. Land values associated with productive soils, water availability, proximity to markets, exports, secondary processing, employment opportunities and value-added enterprises result in an approximate four-fold economic multiplier to the listed crop value. In addition, the preparation of the report could not be completed without the assistance of Solano County agricultural producers and the efforts of departmental staff in compiling the data and assembling the report for publication.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could elect not to receive the 2019 Annual Crop and Livestock Report. This is not recommended because the record of the county’s agricultural production reflects the viability of this important economic sector.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Annual Crop and Livestock Report is produced with assistance of numerous farmers, ranchers, boards, commissions and agencies.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION