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Orange County Agricultural Commissioner reports 12% drop in 2023 farm‑gate value; detector dog intercepts pests
Summary
The county agricultural commissioner reported the 2023 farm‑gate value fell about 12% to $75.7 million, nursery production made up 48% of value, and a USDA‑certified detector dog named Bear identified 12 pest detections in six months.
Orange County’s Agricultural Commissioner, Jose Arriaga, presented the 2023 Crop Report to the Board on Feb. 24, reporting a roughly 12% decline in the county’s farm‑gate value to $75,700,000.
Arriaga told supervisors the county’s nursery industry accounted for about 48% of the agricultural value (approximately $36,500,000). He said heavier rains and weather conditions in 2023 reduced gardening and nursery sales and that the county’s tree fruit industry continues to be affected by Asian citrus psyllid and HLB quarantines and removals.
Arriaga also introduced "Bear," a USDA‑certified detector dog assigned to inspect inbound parcels at shipping facilities such as UPS and FedEx. He said Bear has identified 12 pests in six months — detections that could have triggered costly quarantines — and described the program as funded through the federal Plant Protection Act via the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Supervisors requested broader coverage of urban agriculture programs and updated certified farmers’ market lists in next year’s report. Arriaga acknowledged those requests and described ongoing work to inspect and mitigate pest risks.
What’s next: staff will incorporate requested program listings and market updates in future reports and continue agricultural pest surveillance activities.
