A flood damage survey on Monterey County agriculture shows $336 million in estimated losses from January’s storms, with the costliest impacts in South Monterey County.

Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has released the initial results of the online survey, which launched Jan. 22 and reflects the damages, current loss estimates and projected future losses compiled from more than 50 respondents.

Survey responses revealed a total of 15,705 damaged acres and just over $324 million worth of crop losses throughout Monterey County. The majority of impacted acreage took place in southern Monterey County, which accounted for 63% of the damage.

The most impacted crops included romaine lettuce, strawberries, wine grapes, celery, carrots, broccoli and garlic, according to the survey.

Respondents also reported $9.6 million in damages to farm infrastructure and facilities.

Ag industry organizations, such as Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Farm Bureau and Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, are continuing to assist the county by distributing the online survey and encouraging more farmers and ranchers to contribute data.

“We want to know the full scope of these storm impacts and hope those who have not yet shared information will do so,” said Juan Hidalgo, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner. “It is critical to have a comprehensive assessment of the damage to support recovery efforts, including warranting state and federal aid.”

Monterey County has a total of more than 1,100 farms and nearly 367,000 crop acres, according to the most recent U.S. Farm Census. Total agricultural production was valued at $4.1 billion in the 2021 Monterey County Crop and Livestock Report.

Source - https://kingcityrustler.com