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Orange County agricultural commissioner reports 12% drop in 2023 farm value, highlights a USDA‑funded detection dog
Summary
Agricultural Commissioner Jose Arriaga presented the 2023 crop report showing a 12% decline in farm‑gate value to $75.7 million, noted nursery and beekeeping trends and introduced a USDA‑funded detector dog used to stop pest introductions at major parcel hubs.
Orange County Agricultural Commissioner Jose Arriaga presented the county's 2023 crop report to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 24, reporting a 12% decrease in farm‑gate value to about $75.7 million and highlighting industry trends and pest‑mitigation steps.
Arriaga said nursery production accounted for roughly 48% of local agricultural value and that unusual weather in 2023—especially wet and overcast conditions—reduced consumer gardening activity and hurt some producers. He also said apiculture (beekeeping and honey production) saw a notable increase as weather created more feed for pollinators.
A new tool in Orange County's pest‑prevention arsenal: Arriaga introduced Bear, a US Department of Agriculture‑certified detector dog assigned to inspect incoming parcel shipments at major carriers. He said Bear has identified multiple shipments containing plant material that could trigger quarantines; the dog operates under a CDFA memorandum and funding through the Plant Protection Act.
Supervisors asked staff to expand lists of urban agriculture programs and certified farmers markets in future reports; Arriaga and supervisors discussed tree‑fruit losses from HLB (citrus disease) quarantines and the need for continued inspection and grower coordination.
What happens next: The board received and filed the crop report and asked staff to update program lists and market schedules in future reports for broader public usefulness.
