Despite being in the midst of a drag-out drought, Monterey County ag production achieved record highs in 2013, with gross crop values reaching $4.38 billion. That number is up $375 million, or 9 percent, from 2012.
In the 2013 Monterey County Crop Report released June 17, strawberries top the list of most valuable crops at $869 million. That number has risen sharply over the years: Adjusted to the consumer price index, strawberries were worth $345 million in 1993.
Leaf lettuce production stayed relatively flat, at about $660 million from 2012-2013. Head lettuce rose from $476 million in 2012 to $551 million in 2013. Other top producers were broccoli ($427 million) and nursery plants ($312 million).
Tanimura & Antle VP Mike Antle says the recent trend toward “superfoods” like kale have cut into lettuce demand, but that the valley’s farmers are adapting. “These items are taking away from our typical leafy vegetable categories, but we’re still able to capture the market because we’re able to grow those [superfoods] here.”
The only strongly negative number was for beef cattle, which fell from $39 million in 2012 to $31 million.
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