Ventura County Farmers Sell $1 Billion in Crops

VENTURA —  Ventura County farmers sold more than $1 billion in crops last year, a record that marks the area’s return as one of California’s top 10 agricultural-producing counties, authorities said Wednesday.

An especially strong year for strawberries, which overtook lemons’ half-century dominance of local crops, helped growers collect a total of $1.06 billion, according to the 1999 Agricultural Crop Report. It was the county’s best showing in more than five years, Agricultural Commissioner Earl McPhail said.

“Obviously, we’re extremely pleased--Ventura County is now a member of the billion-dollar club,” he said. “We’re definitely going to be No. 10, and we might be No. 9, depending on San Diego County.”

Crop values had been hovering near $1 billion for the past few years, drawing $942 million in 1997 and $937 million in 1998. McPhail said exceptionally mild weather last year, in terms of low frost, helped farmers finally reach the 10-figure mark.

The county’s most popular crop has now become its top moneymaker, as strawberry sales exceeded those of lemons by more than $19 million.

Strawberries raked in more than $220 million in 1999, almost $45 million more than in 1998, and up $77 million from 1997 totals. Lemons, despite making $22 million more than in the previous year, fell sharply behind their sweeter companions.

Nursery stock, or flowers, also rose, increasing in value by about $14 million to nearly $140 million. Oranges, onions and Oriental vegetables joined the climb, each posting substantial gains.