County Agriculture Reaches All Time High

Crop Value Tops Billion Dollar Mark for Tenth Straight Year

The total reported agricultural value for 2002 is $1,297,278,470. This is the highest ever reported for San Diego County and is the 10th successive year of growth in value for the San Diego County agricultural industry.

Nursery and flower crops continue to dominate the industry in San Diego County, accounting for $879 million – or 68 percent – of the County’s agricultural value.

“This Board recognizes that business, including the business of agriculture, is vital to future of the region,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox. “I am proud that San Diego County’s horticultural industry not only leads the State, but enjoys sales both domestically and abroad.”

The single most valuable crop grown was indoor flowering and foliage plants, which accounted for 23% of the total dollars generated. Ornamental trees and shrubs, bedding plants, avocados, and cut flowers, respectively, round out the top five crops.

The San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures compiles the statistics and produces the Annual Crop Report. To obtain a full copy of the report, call (858) 694-2739 or click on the Statistics button at www.sdcawm.org.