The Solano County tomato crop has achieved a milestone, reaching a record high value of $47.35 million in 2022, according to the 73rd annual Crop and Livestock Report. The county’s tomato crop has consistently been one of the top-five valued commodities since the 1950s. However, even with this impressive achievement, the overall gross value of crops and livestock in the county experienced a decline of nearly 4.12% compared to 2021.
The report states that the total gross value of crops and livestock in the county stood at $390.881 million in 2022, down $16.971 million from the previous year. Despite the decline, this figure represents the second-highest value recorded in the past decade.
The report, compiled by Agriculture Commissioner Ed King, highlights the various challenges faced by the agricultural sector throughout the year. Extreme weather events, including freezing temperatures in late February, scorching temperatures in early September, and mid-September rains, had detrimental effects on crop and livestock production. These weather conditions damaged almond and olive crops, desiccated grapes on the vine, and caused tomatoes and walnuts to mold. Additionally, the ongoing drought and dropping water levels in Lake Berryessa further stressed soil moisture, groundwater, and rangeland conditions.
Among the crops, tomatoes surpassed almonds to claim the top spot in 2022. Harvesting 439,000 tons from 9,500 acres, tomatoes were valued at $107.88 per ton. Almonds, which have traditionally been Solano County’s leading crop, experienced a significant decrease in value, falling to sixth place with a value of $21.29 million. This represents a 70% decline of nearly $49.83 million compared to 2021.
The report also highlights other top-valued crops in Solano County. Nursery products moved up to second place with a gross value of $43.698 million, followed by cattle and calves at $36,218 million, and alfalfa-hay at $30.946 million. Wine grapes occupied the fifth spot with a value of $26.164 million, with red varietals reaching approximately $16.16 million and white varietals exceeding $11 million.
Several crops also experienced fluctuations in their rankings. almonds and walnuts held onto seventh place with a value of $11.304 million, pollination made its way into the top 10 at eighth with a gross value of $9.34 million, and sheep and lambs stayed at ninth with a value of $9.074 million. Dried prunes closed the top 10 list, maintaining its position with a gross value of $9.009 million.
The report also sheds light on other agricultural activities in Solano County. It mentions that the Agriculture Department issued 688 Federal Phytosanitary Certificates for agricultural commodities destined for export to 41 different countries. Furthermore, seven certified farmers markets were held in the county, supporting local agriculture and providing consumers with access to fresh and diverse produce.
Pest control was one of the key focuses discussed in the report, highlighting the ongoing efforts to eradicate the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a pest causing concerns in north Vacaville. Additionally, the report delves into the responsibilities of the Agriculture Department’s weights and measures division. It mentions that measuring and weighing devices, such as gas meters, electric meters, and retail water meters, were inspected to ensure compliance. The average compliance rate was reported at 92% for measuring devices and 87% for weighing devices.
Overall, despite the decline in the overall gross value of crops and livestock, Solano County’s tomato crop reached a new record high, underscoring its importance as a valuable and sought-after commodity. The challenges posed by extreme weather events throughout the year had varying impacts on different crops, leading to fluctuations in their rankings. The report serves as a comprehensive overview of the agricultural landscape in Solano County, highlighting both the successes and challenges faced by local farmers and ranchers.
