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Agriculture

EconAlliance celebrates the important role that agriculture plays in our Northern Santa Barbara County economy and quality of life. The sector’s importance to North County’s rural character, food security, innovation/technology and local nonprofits is matched only by the sector’s countywide economic and job impact.

Santa Barbara County agriculture is the county’s largest industry, with much of it in Northern Santa Barbara County. The county ag sector has a $2.8 billion economic impact, with $1.8 billion in direct economic output and an additional $1 billion in expenditures by ag companies and employees. Agriculture provides over 25,000 jobs.

Agricultural history in Santa Barbara County mirrors the history of California.

At first, Santa Barbara County was mainly rangeland supporting cattle and sheep. Then, of course, grapes and other fruits and vegetables were grown at the three missions in the county. Today, there are more than 720,000 acres of agricultural land. Of this, 583,310 is open grazing land, while the remainder grows fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Top producing crops in 2021 were: Strawberries (#1), Nursery Products (#2), Wine Grapes (#3),  Broccoli (#4), and Cauliflower (#5). Avocado, Lettuce, Celery and Blackberries round out the top ten.

Ag Commissioner Reports

Largest commodities by annual dollars:  Fruit & Nuts (2021 $1,023,493,000), and Vegetable Crops (2021 $587,613,000)

Organic Farming

There are 174 registered organic farms in Santa Barbara County that grow over 100 different products on 12,000 acres (2021).

High-Value Land

The two largest groups of commodities by percentage are: Fruits & Nuts (53%) and Vegetables (31%) of  Gross County Production.

Robust Industry

A single Santa Barbara County farmer grows enough food for 155 people. The county has 10 certified farmers’ markets and more than 100 certified producers.

The ag sector attracts and/or sustains a wealth of ag-related or support businesses (from irrigation to environmental analysis to construction) which, together with ag jobs, offer local residents a wealth of job and career options at every level and wage category – entry level field work; ag-related technician or specialist occupations; professional, scientific and business careers and executive and ownership opportunities.

Many Northern Santa Barbara County agriculturalists are also supporting regional innovation through science and technology advancement, experimenting with hybridization, automation, remote sensing, robotics, and precision farming.

Because of its many contributions to economic vitality, job opportunities, food security, innovation, scenic/rural beauty, community support and environmental sustainability, EconAlliance is committed to celebrating agriculture and advancing public awareness of the ag community and its value to the area.

Top 10 Export Countries by Phytosanitary Certificates Issued in 2021:

A Phytosanitary Certificate is a document that facilitates shipment of agricultural commodities across borders and certifies that the shipment is free from prohibited plants, animals, and other pests.

Canada 2021 3,255
Japan 2021 809    
Saudi Arabia 2021 569    
Kuwait 2021 399    
United Arab Emirates 2021 375    
Mexico 2021 350    
Qatar 2021 135    
Oman 2021 77    

Because of its many contributions to economic vitality, job opportunities, food security, innovation, scenic/rural beauty, community support and environmental sustainability, EconAlliance is committed to celebrating agriculture and advancing public awareness of the ag community and its value to the area.