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Santa Barbara County agriculture report: 2025 gross production tops $2.2 billion, strawberries lead
Summary
The Agricultural Commissioner's 2025 Crop and Livestock Report shows gross production value exceeded $2.2 billion (up 11.5% year‑over‑year), with strawberries, nursery products and broccoli ranking top commodities; staff recommended the board receive and file the report, which the board did unanimously.
Santa Maria — The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner presented the county’s 2025 Crop and Livestock Report on June 23, reporting a total gross agricultural production value above $2.2 billion, an 11.5% increase compared with 2024.
Agricultural Commissioner Jose Chang said the growth was driven by a combination of increased harvested acreage, higher yields and stronger market pricing. "For over two decades, strawberries have consistently held the number‑one spot in terms of gross production value," staff said. The top five commodities were strawberries, nursery products, broccoli, head lettuce and leaf lettuce; wine grapes, cauliflower, celery and livestock rounded out the top ten.
Commission staff also highlighted pest‑exclusion work: the county identified 375 invasive pests confirmed by the state in 2025 and issued 181 notices of rejection for shipments that could threaten local agriculture. Staff recommended the board receive and file the report; supervisors praised the department’s work and unanimously approved the recommendation.
What happens next: The report will be placed on the public record; staff will continue outreach and partner work on pest‑exclusion, exports, and support programs for growers.
