The Oregon Department of Agriculture reports multiple changes in the state’s top commodities list, including increases in hemp and wine grape production value during 2021.
Ringing in at a value of $1.32 billion in 2021, Oregon’s nursery and greenhouse industry grew by 11% over the year to remain the state’s most profitable agricultural commodity. The value represents 22% of the state’s agricultural value. An estimated 74% of nursery sales come from outside the state.
Cattle and calves remain in the second spot with a value of $676.2 million, a 13% increase from the previous year. Grass seed closely followed at a value of $639.2 million after experiencing a 28% value increase.
Hemp is new to the Oregon Agriculture Top 20 list, ringing in eighth with a value of $247.8 million, according to USDA NAAS. Nationally, Oregon produced about 30% of the country’s $824 million value in hemp production in 2021.
Total wine grape production reached a record 114,677 tons in 2021. The crop's value increased by 72% — about $113 million — to reach a valuation of $271 million. The Oregon Wine Board said the 2021 growing year reflects “a healthy upswing in the state’s grape tonnage, wine production and all data points across the board.
Don’t miss a beat! It’s easy to sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse news! For the latest on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and around the country in agriculture, just click here.
Four of the state’s commodities — milk, sweet cherries, hops and eggs — declined in value from 2020 estimates.
Sweet cherries observed a 50% value decline from the year prior, dropping from ninth to 18th on the top commodity chart. Experts attribute the value decline to the deep freeze in 2021 that cut fruit production across the region.
Of Oregon’s more than 225 commodities, the state ranks first nationwide in the production of hazelnuts, Christmas trees, Rhubarb, potted florist azaleas, Dungeness crab, crimson clover seed, orchard grass seed, fescue seed, ryegrass seed, red clover seed, sugar beet for seed and white clover seed.
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.
