Wine grapes surpass strawberries as top crop in SLO County
San Luis Obispo agriculture sets record with $1.1 billion in 2023
San Luis Obispo agriculture sets record with $1.1 billion in 2023– Crop values in San Luis Obispo County hit a record high in 2023, with the overall farmgate value surpassing $1.1 billion for the first time, according to the county’s 2023 annual Agricultural Statistics report. Despite significant storm-related damage early in the year, ideal growing conditions led to strong yields across multiple crop sectors, the report says.
Wine grapes reclaimed the top spot as the county’s most valuable crop, surpassing strawberries after a four-year run at number one. Favorable growing conditions and steady prices boosted the value of wine grapes. Combined, wine grapes and strawberries accounted for more than half of the county’s total crop value.
San Luis Obispo County’s diverse geography and microclimates continue to support a wide variety of crops, contributing to the overall success of the agricultural sector.
The top 10 agricultural commodities in 2023 were:
- Wine grapes (All) – $323.9 million (29.07%)
- Strawberries – $274.1 million (24.60%)
- Cattle and calves – $68.6 million (6.16%)
- Broccoli – $36.2 million (3.25%)
- Avocados – $34.2 million (3.07%)
- Vegetable and ornamental transplants – $33.5 million (3.01%)
- Brussels sprouts – $24.6 million (2.21%)
- Cauliflower – $20.6 million (1.85%)
- Cut flowers – $19.1 million (1.71%)
- Celery – $16.2 million (1.45%)
These commodities combined for a total of $851 million, representing 76% of the county’s overall crop value.
The report also includes information about the rising use of new technology in agriculture, such as drones.
Click here to view the full report.
