County Ag Brings In Over $1 Billion
Strawberries Once Again Top the Leading Crop List
The annual value of agricultural product grown in Santa Barbara County has once again surpassed $1 billion, according to a report from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released today. The total of $1.103 billion in gross value brought in during 2007 is an increase of $86.6 million from the previous year.
“Santa Barbara County’s agricultural strength is due to our crop diversity,” said Ag Commissioner Bill Gillette in statement. “Agriculture also continues to provide a strong base for our local economy, and through the multiplier effect, agriculture and related activities had a total contribution in 2007 of more than $2 billion to the economy.”
Strawberries are the county’s leading legal crop produced in Santa Barbara, grossing $312.8 million. Broccoli came in a far second at $131 million, while wine grape production was valued at $99.9 million. According to the commissioner’s office, Santa Barbara is California’s 14th-ranked county in total agricultural production, due to the more than 50 different crops which bring in more than $1 million per variety.
