Solano County's agriculture diversity is central to the industry's success and a big part of the record $460.39 million in gross production value in 2023. However, the primary driver of the $69.15 million increase over 2022 – an 18% increase – is the jump in the processing tomato crop.
It was the county's top crop for the second straight year, and the first crop the gross value for which exceeded $100 million, the report states. The value was reported at $101.52 million, up from $47.35 million in 2022. The increase is a combination of several factors, including an increase of harvested acres (from 9,500 to 14,700), a higher yield per acre resulting in 732,000 tons (up from 439,000) and a better price ($107.88 to $138.78 per ton), the report states.
The overall record tops the previous high of $401.64 million reached in 2021, the 74th annual Crop & Livestock Report states. "Solano County's landscape features a diversity of crop and rangelands across 10 unique agricultural regions. You will see vineyards, fruit and nut trees, row crops, hay fields, cattle and sheep while traveling through the county, but there is another important type of agriculture you may easily miss: indoor agriculture," the report states.
Agriculture Commissioner Ed King on Tuesday made a presentation to the Board of Supervisors, noting the ag value has increased by about 150% since the beginning of the century. He also noted that next year's report will mark the 75th for the county.
An article on indoor agriculture is the highlighted feature in the report.
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