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 2007 VERSUS 2006

The total gross price at the first point of delivery for Orange County agricultural products for the 2007 calendar year was $255,215,451 representing an 11% decrease compared to the 2006 overall income. Agricultural production values are based upon the free-on-board (f.o.b.) packed price at the first point of delivery, and include cost of production, harvesting, and preparation for market. Gross values, therefore, do not reflect net returns to the producer. Federal incentive, conservation and other support payments are excluded from this report.

In compliance with the California Food and Agricultural Code Section 2279, the Agricultural Commissioner compiles Orange County agricultural production information and then forwards this data to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The following are highlights of the 2007 Orange County Crop Report:

1. Strawberry value decreased by 14% due to decreased acreage.
2. Nursery stock value decreased by 13%.
3. Vegetable acreage and value decreased.
4. Field crop value decreased due to lack of rainfall.

Confidentiality of Crop Production and Plant Production Data

Basic crop and plant production data are collected from many sources, and may include grower surveys, regulatory and inspection data, shipment data, industry assessments, etc. Farmers and growers provide crop information to the Agricultural Commissioner on a voluntary basis. These business and financial records are confidential under State and Federal statutes. Several examples include:

1. Plant production data and similar information and market or crop reports which are obtained in confidence from any person [Government Code Sections 6254(e) and 6255].
   
   
2. Lists of persons reporting and reports made by farmers, stockmen, processors, dealers, handlers, and others to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Agricultural Statistics Service, United States Department of Agriculture, or National Agricultural Statistics Service. [18 United States Code 1902, 7 United States Code 2276 and 2204g, and Government Code Section 6254(e)].
   
   
3. Individual reports of handlers of farm products required to be filed with the California Department of Food and Agriculture [Food and Agricultural Code Sections 58775 and 58781, and Government Code Section 6254(k)].

This report is produced each year with the outstanding partnership and cooperation of the agricultural industry in Orange County.