The value of San Luis Obispo County agricultural products hit a record high in 2021, exceeding $1 billion for the second time in 10 years, according to San Luis Obispo County's Agricultural Commissioner.
The total agricultural value reached $1,081,952,000 in 2021, according to data provided by the agriculture department. The last time San Luis Obispo agricultural products were valued at more than $1 billion was in 2018.
The fruit and nut category saw the most significant increase (18%) in valuation. All top three crops by value — strawberries, wine grapes, and avocados — were from this category.
Strawberries reached their highest valuation in county history at almost $320 million.
Meanwhile, county data showed that the animal industry and field crops sector suffered a 7.3% and 26.3% decrease in valuation respectively. The two industries struggled greatly due to "severe drought conditions", county documents said.
