The County of Ventura Agriculture Commissioner's office has recently released the 2010 Ventura County Crop Report.

Over the last five years the value of Ventura County crops has increased each and every year. The increase from 2009 to 2010 was the largest by far during this time period at over $235 million. Total value of Ventura County crops in 2010 was $1,859,151,000.

Now for a look at our current top ten crops, and their monetary value during 2010:

• Strawberries -- $542,127,000
• Celery --  $182,268,000
• Nursery Stock -- $180,057,000
• Lemons -- $174,766,000
• Raspberries -- $167,446,000
• Avocados -- $148,343,000
• Tomatoes -- $120,085,000
• Cut Flowers -- $47,348,000
• Peppers -- $45,364,000
• Valencia Oranges -- $28,164,000

Other 2010 million dollar plus Ventura County crops are: cabbage, greens, cilantro, lettuce, spinach, vegetable transplants, parsley, radishes, livestock, tangerines, cucumber, beans, kale, broccoli, Asian vegetables, beets, carrots, orchids, poinsettia, and onions.

In addition to lots of interesting facts and figures regarding local agriculture, this report provides information for consumers regarding local food systems. Our agricultural workers throughout the industry work hard. Let's do what we can to support their efforts and our local economy!

Recent finds of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) have triggered a quarantine for Ventura County. ACP has the potential to spread Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterium fatal to citrus trees and closely related plants. This pest-disease complex has created havoc in citrus producing regions around the world. Early detection and treatment is of utmost importance in preventing the establishment of this destructive pest in our area.

Long before the local arrival of ACP, the Ventura County ACP-HLB Task Force was created to help educate commercial and home citrus growers. At this time the Task Force is coordinating with sate and local agricultural officials to ensure accurate and timely information continues to reach citizens and industry personnel.

In addition to the ACP-HLB Task Force local industry and residents alike can find much additional support. The situation remains fluid. Please do your part to help control this pest. It is vital to check trees regularly and follow quarantine protocols. As of today the following agencies and departments are available to provide assistance:

• Growers, packinghouse managers and nursery operators with questions about the quarantine or compliance agreements can contact the CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) Cooperative ACP Quarantine Project at 555 Airport Way, Suite C in Camarillo. They can be reached by phone at (805) 388-4222.

• The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office can also provide information on quarantine and compliance agreements and can be reached at (805) 477-1620. Their website also has information for commercial and residential growers.

• To report suspected ACP finds (commercial and residential) please call the CDFA hotline at (800) 491-1899.

• General questions about Task Force activities, including upcoming workshops, can be answered by calling the Task Force hotline at (805) 535-8641 or the Farm Bureau at (805) 289-0155.

A free workshop for commercial growers, nursery stock producers, and PCAs is scheduled for March 21. Please don’t forget to reserve your spot by calling (805) 289-0155 no later than March 14.

The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is coordinating a pesticide container recycling day. This event will be held March 31, 2011 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Fruit Growers Supply in Santa Paula.

There is no cost for commercial growers, landscape professionals, and pest control advisors to participate; however, they must be registered and/or permitted with the Ventura County Agriculture Commissioners office.

Containers must conform to program requirements. Container requirement details can be found here.

To set up an appointment or to inquire about the program, please contact Inspector Blanca Enriquez-Pratt at (805)933-2926 ext. 246.

On Wednesday, November 10, 2010 the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office will be hosting a continuing education session in Laws & Regulations.

Scheduled topics include: Headquarter and Employee Safety Inspection Requirements; Hazard Communication Training; Respiratory Protection; Medical Supervision; Pesticide Storage; and Dealer Records.

The session is free and open to anyone wishing to renew their PAC, QAL, QAC or PCA. Up to 3 hours of Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved continuing education will be provided.

This event will be held from 8am to noon at the PWA Conference Room, located at 11251-A Riverbank Drive in Saticoy. Space is limited. Please contact Korinne Bell at 805-933-2926 ext. 235 to reserve your spot.