NAPA, CA – Napa County saw an increase in the gross value of all agricultural production in the county totaling $894,295,500 in 2022 – a 19.9 percent increase from the previous year. Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland released the numbers as part of the 2022 Napa County Agricultural Crop Report during the May 16 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Wine grape production
The total value of the 2022 winegrape crop was $890,911,400, up 20.1 percent or $149,179,400 from the previous year. Total winegrape production increased by approximately 10,613 tons or 8.8 percent from 2021. The total winegrape tonnage for the 2022 crop (131,144 tons from 46,128 bearing acres) was 13.5 percent lower than the previous 10-year average of 151,574 tons, however the total winegrape value was 22.5 percent higher than the previous 10-year average. The average price paid per ton for all winegrapes was $6,794, a 10.4 percent increase from 2021. In 2022, the highest average price paid for a major Napa County winegrape variety was $10,419 per ton for Cabernet Franc. There were 1,210 bearing acres of Cabernet Franc in 2022.
Top wine grape varieties
In 2022, the top three varieties in total value were Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. Approximately 72,423 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon (24,217 acres) were harvested and sold at an average price of $8,819 per ton. Chardonnay (5,897 acres) exceeded Merlot (3,983 acres) by 1,914 bearing acres, but sold at $972 less per ton on average. Merlot production was 8,552 tons, valued at an average of $4,527 per ton. Chardonnay production of 16,094 tons was valued on average at $3,555 per ton. These three varieties together accounted for approximately 74 percent of all production and more than 82 percent of the total winegrape value.
Value of other crops and livestock
Olive production increased by 59 tons in 2022. Despite continuing pressure from olive fruit flies and some adverse weather conditions, many growers reported substantially higher harvested acres and total tonnage than the previous year. Total livestock and poultry values decreased $947,000 from those reported in 2022, while field crops increased $81,600. Vegetable crop values were higher in 2022 despite a slight decrease in harvest acreage. Floral and nursery production area and value were lower this year, primarily due to the closure of some industry establishments.
Pest exclusion and pest detection activities
County staff completed 65,559 pest detection traps servicings in 2022, 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. More than 2,600 plant shipments were inspected for GWSS and released in 2022.
Featured articles
This year’s crop report includes articles about advances in technology to protect agriculture, county efforts to prevent spotted lantern fly infestation, and Napa County Winegrape Pest and Disease Control District celebrates 20 years of outstanding service.
About the report
The Crop Report Cover Artwork Contest, a partnership between the Ag Commissioner’s office and Napa County Farm Bureau’s “Ag 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 Vincent Herndon, a senior at Calistoga Junior/Senior High School. His acrylic painting, titled “Seasonal View,” was selected as the winning entry of this year’s Crop Report Cover Artwork Contest. Second place went to Pamela Alvarado Andrade and third place was awarded to Celeste Alvarado. All submissions received for the 2022 Crop Report Cover Artwork Contest are available for viewing on the Ag Commissioner’s website.
The report is available online, at each of the county’s libraries, and at the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office located at 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 3 in Napa.
For questions, please contact Tracy Cleveland at [email protected].