NAPA – The gross value of all agricultural production in Napa County was $745,778,100 in 2021 – a 60.2 percent increase from the previous year.
Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland released the 2021 Napa County Agricultural Crop Report during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
Wine Grape Production
The total value of the 2021 winegrape crop was $741,732,000, up 60.8 percent, or $280,336,700, from the previous year. Much of this increase can be attributed to a dramatic rise and recovery in red winegrape production and average price per ton, following the sharp drop in these numbers in 2020. Much of that year’s decline was caused by local wildfires and the overall economic impact brought on by the first year of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, total winegrape production increased by approximately 21,216 tons, or 21.4 percent from 2020. The total winegrape tonnage for the 2021 crop (120,527 tons from 46,019 bearing acres) was still 20.6 percent lower than the previous 10-year average of 151,708 tons, however the total winegrape value was 7.2 percent higher than the previous 10-year average. The average price paid per ton for all winegrapes was $6,154, a 32.5 percent increase from 2020. In 2021, the highest average price paid for a major Napa County winegrape variety was $9,304 per ton for Cabernet Franc. There were 1,213 bearing acres of Cabernet Franc in 2021.
Top Wine Grape Varieties
In 2021 the top three varieties in total value were Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Approximately 65,169 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon (24,094 acres) were harvested and sold at an average price of $8,083 per ton. Chardonnay (5,880 acres) exceeded Merlot (4,019 acres) by 1,861 bearing acres, but sold at $787 less per ton on average. Merlot production was 7,630 tons, valued at an average of $4,032 per ton. Chardonnay production of 15,926 tons was valued on average at $3,245 per ton. These three varieties together accounted for over 73 percent of all production and more than 82 percent of the total wine grape value.
Value of Other Crops and Livestock
Olive production increased by 66 tons in 2021. While olive fruit flies continued to be a major concern, many olive growers reported less damage and greater yields than in the previous year. Total livestock and poultry values increased $132,000 from those reported in 2020, while field crops decreased $86,900. Vegetable crop values and harvested acres were lower in 2021. Floral and nursery production also saw a decreased in production area and value, primarily due to industry closures.
Pest Exclusion & Pest Detection Activities
County staff completed nearly 67,000 pest detection traps servicings in 2021, looking for pests that could harm the county’s agriculture and natural ecosystems. The team continued to survey for all life stages of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) this year. 1,676 plant shipments were inspected for GWSS and released in 2021.
Featured Articles
This year’s crop report includes articles about the colorful but invasive spotted lanternfly, agricultural worker satisfaction and retention strategies, innovative technologies and practices to improve agriculture’s climate change resiliency, and a recent glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation in Solano County. We also wish a happy retirement to one of our favorite inspectors, and offer a heartfelt memoriam to one of our most valued UC Cooperative Extension staff who passed away in 2021.
About the Report
The Crop Report Cover Artwork Contest, a partnership between the Ag Commissioner’s office and Napa County Farm Bureau’s “Agriculture in the Classroom” program, seeks to promote agricultural awareness through student participation in the contest.
This year’s crop report cover art was created by Balvina Sanchez Martinez, a senior at Napa High School. Her acrylic painting, titled “Valley Views,” was selected as the winning entry of this year’s Crop Report Cover Artwork Contest. Second place went to Vincent Herndon and third place is Pamela Alvarado. The report is available online, and at each of the libraries and at the Agricultural Commissioner’s office, 1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 3 in Napa.
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The Board of Supervisors and staff of Napa County are dedicated to preserving and sustaining Napa County for present and future generations as a community with generous open space, a thriving agricultural industry and a quality human and natural environment.