Lake County crop value increased 4% in 2011

The value of Lake County's agricultural products increased to $66.8 million in 2011, a 4 percent increase from $64.2 million in 2010.

"That's not a big change," said Lake County Agricultural Commissioner Steve Hajik.

Some products fell in value while others rose. Nursery production took a 73 percent hit, declining in value from almost $3 million to $793,000.

"We lost a major grapevine nursery," Hajik said.

He declined to say which nursery, but Lake County Grapevine Nursery in Clearlake Oaks filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and in May 2011, West Auctions advertised the sale of its vines and equipment.

Winegrapes remained the county's most valuable legal crop. Production rose just slightly but its value increased to $39.9 million, a 12 percent increase from 2010's $35.6 million, reflecting an increase in grape prices.

Cabernet sauvignon grapes produced both the highest tonnage and value — 14,000 tons and $19 million.

There also were slight increases in the values of livestock and walnuts. Walnuts in recent years have enjoyed newfound popularity, in part because they are considered a heart-healthy food.

"Walnuts are still growing. Acreage grew by 9 percent, which is big," Hajik said. The price per ton increased to $2,500 from $2,120, he said. Walnuts' gross value grew to $3.1 million from $2.9 million.

(You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com.)