Santa Barbara County’s annual crop report is now out, and it shows despite some losses from the Thomas Fire, the numbers are still up substantially.
The county’s crops hit $1.59 billion dollars in 2017, up $163 million dollars from 2016.
Strawberries remained Santa Barbara County’s top crop, but broccoli replaced wine grapes in the number two slot. There was an estimated $11 million dollar loss from the Thomas Fire, with 40 farms being impacted.
But, the fire losses could ultimately be much higher. The avocado harvest was already competed before the fire hit. And, in January, the fire related flooding and debris flow affected additional ag operations on the South Coast.
