Wine grapes plunge even as SLO County crops cross $1 billion mark again
San Luis Obispo County’s agricultural sector enjoyed another strong year in 2024, exceeding $1 billion in total crop value for a fourth consecutive year, even as its two top crops suffered down years.
Wine grapes in particular took a major hit, falling from a record $323 million total value in 2023 to $194 million in 2024, a decline of 40%, due to reduced sales across all varietals, according to the report.
The dramatic drop knocked wine grapes from the top spot, with strawberries reclaiming the No. 1 ranking at $242 million.
Strawberries’ total value was down from $274 million in 2023, a drop of 11%. It was the third straight year of declines for strawberries since the crop hit a record high of $319 million in 2021.
Together, the two crops made up 43% of the county’s overall total value in 2024.
Other crops see stronger years
Overall, most crops produced in the county enjoyed a healthy wet season last year, according to the annual report on agricultural production statistics by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures.
Even following periods of sustained heavy rainfall early in the year, high late summer temperatures and a more difficult market to navigate, crop production remained strong, according to the report.
Compared to 2023, vegetable crops saw the most significant year-over-year increase in value, growing by more than $35.7 million or 15% from the previous year, according to the report.
Avocados and lemons posted a strong year, with value increasing 64% and 95% respectively.
Avocados added $22 million in value compared to 2023, coming in as the No. 4 crop at $56 million. Lemons didn’t even make the top 10 in 2023 but landed at No. 9 in 2024 with a value of $22 million.
Alfalfa hay also saw a boom in 2024, spiking in production by 36% and growing in value by 43% from 2024, according to the report.
The vegetable sector surged by 15% compared to 2023, reaching it second-highest gross value in the past decade due to strong performances by broccoli, cabbage, cilantro and lettuce, helped by expanded acreage and higher prices, according to the report.
Nursery products continued to face challenges, decreasing by 7% in total value for the sector amid higher overhead costs and shifting market demand, according to the report.
The top 10 agricultural commodities by value in 2024 were:
1. Strawberries: $242.3 million
2. Wine grapes: $194.9 million
3. Cattle and calves: $65.5 million
4. Avocados: $56.2 million
5. Broccoli: $53.7 million
6. Lettuce, head: $35.4 million
7. Vegetable and ornamental transplants: $32.3 million
8. Lettuce, leaf: $23.1 million
9. Lemons: $22.9 million
10. Cauliflower: $21.3 million
According to the report, producers across the county benefited from the region’s diverse climate conditions, making the agricultural landscape more versatile.
The animal industry largely held steady, with the number of head growing by 3% and cattle prices up 12% from the previous year, according to the report.
“The diversity of the county’s agriculture, with over 100 different crop types produced, is a key factor in its sustainability,” county agricultural commissioner/sealer Martin Settevendemie said in the report. “Coupled with the resilience of our local farmers and ranchers, agriculture is poised to remain a mainstay in our economy and culture.”
This story was originally published September 17, 2025 at 2:48 PM.
