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The California Department of Food and Agriculture released their annual report regarding agricultural statistics for the year. The numbers reflect changes in the agricultural industry in 2015 due to the severe drought.
Overall, the value of California’s field crop production dropped to $3.7 billion, a 14.9% decrease from 2013. Crops that saw dramatic increases include:
- Corn for grain, which dropped 60%
- Wheat, which dropped 50%
- Barley, which dropped 49%
- Upland Cotton, which dropped 32%
- Spring Potatoes, which dropped 39%
Because of the lack of water, farmers in the Central Valley were forced to be innovative, by getting the most use out of every drop of water. Because of that, farmers changed what crops they produced. The agricultural industry saw a 117% increase in the processing of onions, a 104% increase in the summer storage of onions and a 61% increase in the production of chili peppers.
“Our farmers, ranchers and nurserymen deserve special commendation for maintaining this balance of continued healthful food production in an era of drought,” said Karen Ross, secretary of California’s Department of Food and Agriculture. “From fallowing land totaling a half million acres to capital-intensive investment in drip irrigation and other sustainability processes, our agricultural community is a respected partner with university experts and policy-makers who responsibly steward California’s agricultural heritage and its tremendous potential.”
