Sonoma County Agricultural Value Exceeds $1B For First Time

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The gross value of agricultural commodities produced in Sonoma County in 2018 was $1.1 billion, the first time in the county's history it exceeded $1 billion, Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures Commissioner Tony Linegar said.

The agriculture report reflects gross production values, not the net income or costs of production and marketing, Linegar said.

Total wine grape value, the county's main crop, increased 34.3 percent, or $777,675,300 compared to 2017. Total tonnage in 2018 was 275,977.

The long winegrape growing season was close to ideal with mild temperatures, cool evenings and dry weather that allowed the grapes to fully mature, Linegar said. A small amount of rain in early October caused growers some panic, but timely breezes and warmer temperatures dried the grapes.

The gross production value of organic and conventional milk, the county's second largest agricultural commodity, was $141,249,300. Production increased 20 percent. There are 56 licensed cow dairies, 47 of which are certified organic in the county.

Apple tonnage increased 6 percent over 2017 and the price per ton rose 3 percent due to the demand for Gravenstein and organic apples. The overall gross production value of apples rose 10 percent compared to 2017.

Livestock and poultry products increased 2 percent and wool production rose 17.8 percent.

The gross production value of nursery products increased 42.6 percent due to a 74 percent increase in ornamental sales and a 27 percent increase in deciduous fruit and nut trees, cacti and houseplants.

The demand for nursery stock rose as homes were rebuilt and landscapes were replaced after the 2017 wildfires, and a new, large wholesale nursery opened in the county. More water also was available as drought conditions in 2018 subsided, Linegar said.

— Bay City News Service