By Mike Harris Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

The gross value of agriculture in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties increased by 7% in 2024 over 2023, according to their recently released annual crop and livestock reports.

In 2024, Ventura County’s estimated gross value was $2.3 billion, its findings, made public June 24, said.

Santa Barbara County’s was $2 billion, its report, released July 1, said.

Ventura County’s top 10 crops were strawberries, avocados, nursery stock, celery, raspberries, lemons, peppers, blackberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.

Santa Barbara County’s top 10 crops were strawberries, nursery, broccoli, cauliflower, blackberries, lettuce/head, lettuce/leaf, wine grapes, celery, and livestock. 

Livestock is included in such annual reports because it represents a significant portion of a county’s agricultural output and economic value.

“In Santa Barbara County, better 2024 rainfall improved pastures, allowing for heavier calves and retention of more young stock, though local herd numbers remained down,” Jose Chang, the county’s agricultural commissioner, said in a July 1 press release.

Wine grape production in the county was markedly low, with reduced yields per acre,” he said.

“Despite this smaller yield, the high quality of the grapes fueled strong demand and robust pricing, especially when compared to other regions,” Chang said.

Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Korinne Bell noted that in the first decade of the last 20 years, there was a steady upward trend in total gross ag revenues in her county. 

“But the past ten years have remained relatively flat,” she said in the report. 

“At the same time, production costs have risen sharply – what used to be a $12 salad now costs $24 – yet growers have not experienced a corresponding increase in revenue,” Bell said.

San Luis Obispo County is scheduled to release its 2024 crop and livestock report in September, Agricultural Commissioner Marty Settevendemie told the Business Times.