Good, bad news for 2007 crop report

Good, bad news for 2007 crop report
By Danny Bernardini
Article Launched: 07/23/2008

In a bit of a bittersweet report, county supervisors Tuesday heard about the rising values of crops, and the falling profits for farmers last year.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors received the annual 2007 Solano County Crop and Livestock Report. Those goods brought in a record gross value of $268,255,200, which is up nearly 15 percent from last year.

But that increase is whittled down to just more than 10 percent when considering the inflation rate, said Jim Allan, Solano County agriculture commissioner.

But with the increase in returns, many growers saw shrinking profits because of an increase in energy and transportation costs. Also vexing farmers in the area were rising wages for labor, the report said.

"It's not how much you make, it's how much you earn," Supervisor Mike Reagan said.

Supervisor John Vasquez recognized the issues for the farmers in the area and said help is on the way if voters approve the general plan update in November. That document will lift several restrictions on processing for small farmers and will ease the permitting process.

"I believe this is a unique time for Solano County," Vasquez said. "It's going to be to the advantage of everyone as we move forward."

Allan said the diversity of the area is the keystone of the ag community, but he did have some concerns.

"I worry about the honeybee situation," he said. "There are several theories about the shortage, but no scientific evidence."

Allan also told the board he has applied to the state office of emergency services for emergency status for dry pasture crops. If granted, farmers would be able to apply for low-interest loans and grants that would assist them through tough times.