Fresno, Calif., (August 28, 2017) – The Fresno County Department of Agriculture’s 2016 Crop and Livestock Report (Crop Report) was presented to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors today. As a nod to Fresno County Farm Bureau’s (FCFB) centennial this year, Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures Les Wright and Department staff recognized the organization throughout the report.
Overall, 2016 agricultural production in Fresno County totaled $6.18 billion, showing a 7.23% percent decrease from 2015’s $6.61 billion.
“Fresno County’s agricultural industry produces a diversity of food and fiber found nowhere else. While this region supplies our nation with a bounty of produce, Fresno County also exported to 93 countries last year. This Crop Report is comprised of nearly 400 commodities, of which, 68 crops exceed $1 million in value,” said Commissioner Wright.
“Crop values vary year-to-year based on production, markets and weather conditions. In 2016, markets were less than stellar for many of our commodities. Additionally, for West side growers, this included a third straight year of no surface water allocation,” Wright continued.
Too often, the Crop Report gets summarized down to just a single overall number, but it provides so much more, such as, provides a chance to examine changes and trends in crop acreage and yields. Amounts in the report reflect the gross income values only (income before expenses) and does not reflect net return to producers.
“Fresno County Farm Bureau is honored to be recognized by the Fresno County Department of Agriculture in this year’s Crop Report,” said FCFB CEO Ryan Jacobsen. “The release of the annual report gives the community the opportunity to honor those farmers and ranchers, who, through the generations, have built this landscape into the food capital of the World.”
“Whether your job depends on ag or not, if you live in the San Joaquin Valley, the successes and challenges reflected in this report impact all residents directly,” Jacobsen continued. “The consequences of what happens in our local board and council chambers, as well as at our state and nation’s capitols, affects agricultural production, which in turn has consequences on the vitality of our region.”
One popular component of the report is review of the county’s “Top 10 Crops,” which offers a quick glimpse of the diversity of products grown here. In 2016, these crops accounted for two-thirds of the report’s value. Almonds continue to lead the way as Fresno County’s only billion-dollar crop in 2016. Added to this year’s list was pistachios at number seven. Dropping out of the “Top 10 Crops” was mandarins.
For a copy of the full crop report, contact FCFB at 559-237-0263 or info@fcfb.org.
Fresno County’s Top 10 Crops-2016
| 1. | Almonds | |
| 2016 – $1.201 billion | ||
| 2015 – $1.206 billion | ||
| 2. | Grapes | |
| 2016 – $715.428 million | ||
| 2015 – $896.295 million | ||
| 3. | Poultry | |
| 2016 – $495.021 million | ||
| 2015 – $561.146 million | ||
| 4. | Cattle & Calves | |
| 2016 – $424.875 million | ||
| 2015 – $551.989 million | ||
| 5. | Tomatoes | |
| 2016 – $409.019 million | ||
| 2015 – $520.146 million | ||
| 6. | Milk | |
| 2016 – $384.124 million | ||
| 2015 – $436.765 million | ||
| 7. | Pistachios | |
| 2016 – $255.885 million | ||
| 2015 – $129.771 million | ||
| 8. | Garlic | |
| 2016 – $221.519 million | ||
| 2015 – $198.800 million | ||
| 9. | Oranges | |
| 2016 – $201.402 million | ||
| 2015 – $153.811 million | ||
| 10. | Peaches | |
| 2016 – $197.713 million | ||
| 2015 – $224.597 million |
Source: Fresno County Department of Agriculture’s 2015 and 2016 Crop and Livestock Reports
Frequently asked questions about the Crop Report:
What is the Crop Report? – The Crop Report is a state mandate that reflects the county’s gross value of agricultural production, separating the information by commodity group for a calendar year. Information is gathered through the use of a crop report survey from a random sample of growers, ranchers, processors, packers and many other sources.
Due to its diversity, California is the only state that produces annual county crop reports, which are more precise and unique than other government and industry reports. The report is also the only source of specialty crop and general county data.
Who uses the Crop Report? – The information provided in the Crop Report helps groups, such as ranchers and growers, agricultural suppliers, agricultural lenders, agricultural research and education agencies, agricultural regulatory agencies, transportation agencies, farm labor offices and health and disease programs, plan for the upcoming year in regards to harvesting, processing, pricing, transportation and credit.
Lenders use the Crop Report extensively to be informed of cropping trends and potential capital needs for different crops. In addition, research and education agencies use the Crop Report as a historical baseline of what is being grown. It provides valuable information in policy alternative decision making. Finally, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) uses the Crop Report. During disaster relief, the FSA pays growers based on a weighted average of the crop report data for the impacted crop.
How does it benefit Fresno County? – Every year, there is a gap between when Fresno County fiscal year begins and ends, and when the funds from property taxes are received. Since the county cannot operate without funds, it applies for a tax and revenue anticipation note (TRAN), which is a short-term loan. The county needs this loan prior to July 1 to ensure that all county services will continue for residents.
When Fresno County officials apply for the Standard & Poor’s Bond Rating, they present a financial package, which includes the county’s risk management strategies, current budget for the year and a forecast for the upcoming year. This portfolio highlights resources that are unique to the area and includes a page focusing on Fresno County’s record agricultural production and trends of the previous 10 years.
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