The overall value of commercial agriculture in San Diego county increased about $17.6 million or 1.06% from 2023 to 2024. This change is mainly due to the increase of $23,434,775 or 31% in total production value of Vegetable, Other. Along with these positive changes, San Diego’s agricultural diversity continues to show resilience in difficult times. The groups that thrived this year were Vegetable & Vine Crops, Livestock & Poultry, and Forest Products. On the other hand, Nursery & Cut Flower Products, Fruit & Nut Products, Field Crops, and Apiary Products declined in value, due in part to reduced acreage, lower product demand, price decreases, and diminished yields.
Bedding Plants, Color, Perennials, Cacti & Succulents is still the top crop group, bringing in a total of $395,366,388 or 24% of the total value of agriculture production in San Diego county. The second most valuable group is Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, valued at $385,803,071, equaling 23% of the region’s overall agricultural production value.
The value of Nursery & Cut Flower Products dropped by 1% to $1,166,557,508. Besides the decreases in the Nursery Products subgroup there was also a 2% decrease in the overall value of the Cut Flower Products subgroup. Cut Flower Products such as Proteas Outdoor value increased by 5%, while all other categories in that subgroup decreased in value. The most significant decrease in percent value of 8% is attributed to Foliage. The reduction in the value of some Nursery & Cut Flower Products is due to a decrease in acreage and reduced sales.
Fruit & Nut Crops’ value decreased to $289,128,077, a 1% drop from the previous year. The overall value of Citrus decreased by 2% compared to last year, along with a 5% decrease in acreage. Citrus crops that increased in value included Kumquats, Oranges, and Tangerines & Tangelos, rising by 19%, 9%, and 2%, respectively. All other citrus varieties saw declines in value, driven by a combination of reduced acreage and lower yields, contributing to an overall decrease in the Total Citrus category value. The value of Avocados slightly decreased due to a lower yield compared to the previous year, as well as reduced prices. However, the trend of an increase in value driven by rising prices and acreage was seen in the Fruit & Nuts, Other category. The value of Grapes, Wine decreased by 16% due to drop in yield and prices. The value of Berries, Other increased by 14% due to a higher yield and prices as growers reported favorable weather conditions including coastal humidity and warm days.
Vegetable & Vine Crops’ value increased to $113,096,728, a 26% increase from last year. This increase was primarily due to a 31% rise in the value of Vegetables, Other. On the other hand, there was 5% decrease in the value of Squash. The overall increase in value for this group is associated with an increase in prices.
Apiary Products were valued at $3,497,675, a 26% decrease from last year. The decrease is mainly due to a 47% drop in Honey and Beeswax production, caused by slightly decreased prices and inconsistencies in rainfall. Pollination dropped 6% as there were fewer colonies used for these services and stagnating pollination fees.
Livestock & Poultry were valued at $96,823,235, a 12% increase from last year. This rise is due to the increased values of most Livestock & Poultry Products, which includes milk, eggs, and chicken.
Field Crops’ value decreased to $3,924,542, which is 13% lower than last year. This decrease was mainly driven by Field, Other, which dropped by 34% in value due to a decrease in acreage and prices.
In summary, although total agricultural acreage in San Diego county declined, the overall value of agricultural production still rose by over 1%. This increase can be attributed to stronger market prices for key crops and improved yields in selected high-value commodities. It highlights how efficiency gains and favorable economic conditions can outweigh reductions in land use.