Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures releases 2020 Sonoma County Crop Report

The County of Sonoma Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures today presented to the Board of Supervisors the 2020 Sonoma County Crop Report, an annual accounting of local agricultural production intended for community use in developing and understanding economic activity, tourism, financing, and historical trends in local agricultural production. More than 1,000 Sonoma County agricultural producers were surveyed for the 2020 report, which shows a total gross production value of $680,648,600, a 29 percent decrease from 2019. 

“The 2020 growing season was challenging with low early rainfall and excessive heat late in the summer, which caused an early harvest,” said Andrew Smith, Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures. “Reductions in tonnage and gross values in 2020 are the natural result of above average tonnage in recent years combined with the economic impacts of the global pandemic.” 

“Since the beginning of agriculture in our county, farms and farm workers have provided invaluable goods and services to the community,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This report honors and promotes their hard work and showcases the county’s accomplishments in supporting agriculture, protecting the environment and working to ensure that our community and economy can weather the storms that climate change will continue to bring to the county.”

Highlights from the 2020 Sonoma County Crop Report:

• Grape tonnage decreased 35.5 percent from 2019 to 148,085 tons. Grape value per ton decreased 46 percent to $357,511,500 compared with 2019. 
• Apple tonnage decreased 2.9 percent from 2019 due to a lack of processors and inclement weather during bloom. Apple value per ton decreased 3 percent compared with 2019. 
• Livestock and poultry product values increased by 20 percent compared with 2019 due to a 24 percent increase in both organic and conventional milk production.  
• Milk value per unit decreased 4.2 percent for organic and 9.6 percent for conventional. 
• Wool production value decreased 3.5 percent from 2019 due to lack of global demand for wool. 
• Nursery product values decreased 12.4 percent from 2019 due to a decline of demand in the wholesale market stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. 

The 2020 Crop Report also highlights the essential farm workers in local agriculture who help cultivate a thriving industry through the challenges of natural disasters and the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the report includes a summary of accomplishments for the Agriculture, Land Stewardship, and Weights & Measures divisions within the county Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures. Data on non-agricultural crops such as commercial fish landings and timber harvests are also included from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Board of Equalization, respectively. 

The County of Sonoma Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures is mandated to annually compile and report crop and livestock statistics, and pest exclusion, management, and eradication activities to the County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors and the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Annual crop reports are available for review back to 1928. 

The 2020 Sonoma County Crop Report and related materials are available here:
https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5342900&GUID=08C9E795-67E1-4A70-9A2C-09D7425D5856

Sonoma County Crop Reports from previous years are available here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Agriculture-Weights-and-Measures/Crop-Reports/  

For more information regarding the 2020 Sonoma County Crop Report, or for general questions related to the Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures, please call (707) 565-2371 or email SonomaAg@sonoma-county.org.