Year 2004 Introduction

2004 VERSUS 2003

The total gross f.o.b. value of Orange County agricultural products for the year
2004 was $293,562,971 representing a 6% decrease compared to the 2003
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 2004 Orange County Crop Report:

1. Strawberry production total value decreased by 13% with a slight increase in
   acreage.
2. Nursery stock value decreased by 1% to $211,438,660.
3. Avocado value decreased by 52% with a slight increase in acreage.
4. Vegetable production total value increased by 25% with an increase in
   acreage.
5. Livestock value increased due in part to the increase in the number of cattle
   that grazed in Orange County.
6. Field crops increased in value by 26%.

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.