No, food production–agriculture and seafood–in San Diego County has substantially decreased over the past 20 years.
Source: County of San Diego, Agriculture, Weights, and Measures, County Crop Reports
Last updated: June 1, 2019
Note: 2019 value for tomato production was suppressed. Estimates for pounds of livestock, livestock products (e.g., milk), poultry, eggs, honey, and most vegetables were not available.
Yes, food imports to the United States increased 112%, from $67 billion in 2000 to over $143 billion in 2017. The top two categories of food imports were fish and shellfish (15.5% of total value) and fruits (13.4%). This increased competition represents a unique challenge to San Diego County, a region with a prominent fishing industry and agricultural fruit production.
Source: USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Food Imports
Last updated: 2017
The estimates for direct sales present a mixed picture. San Diego County’s direct to consumer sales (e.g., through farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs) were relatively modest in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Direct to retail sales, a new category introduced in 2017, were relatively strong in San Diego County – over $50 million in sales. Another new category, the value of processed or value-added agricultural products sold, represents the value of products that originated on farms that are transformed into products worth more than the raw product. This new category is most clearly evident in Napa County, where the value of wine production far exceeds the value of the original grapes. The value of processed or value-added products in San Diego County is modest—$14 million.
Source: USDA Census of Agriculture
Last updated: 2017
Note: Adjusted for inflation to 2019 dollars. For the 2017 Census of Agriculture the USDA modified how it collected direct sales data and they say that caution should be used when comparing 2017 to 2012 and 2007.
Yes, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, local procurement at school districts in San Diego County were increasing.
Source: Community Health Improvement Partners – Farm to Institution Center, State of Farm to School in San Diego County
Last updated: 2017
Note: Adjusted for inflation to 2019 dollars.
