The Farm Bureau of Ventura County - Media - FAQ's, Crop Reports, Local Growers, University Agricultural Contacts, UCEE Staff Contacts in Ventura and Agricultural Policy Papers.

A Reliable Source

The Farm Bureau strives to be the No. 1 source of accurate, reliable information about Ventura County agriculture. If you’re researching a story, gathering information for a report, or seeking answers to common questions about the county’s most visible industry, we hope you’ll turn to us first. If we don’t have the answers you need, we’ll refer you to someone who does.

FAQ’s

Learn more about Ventura County crops and harvest seasons by clicking here.

Download a PDF of the FAQ.

The Crop Report

Each year, the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner releases a Crop Report that provides a wealth of information about what local farmers grow, how much it’s worth and how many acres are devoting to growing it.

Download the 2008 report here.
Previous reports: 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Local Growers

Ventura County farmers and ranchers can provide first-hand information about agricultural issues and topics. Reporters interested in speaking to local growers should contact the Farm Bureau at (805) 289-0155 for a referral.

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Other Experts

The University of California sponsors research into a broad array of agricultural topics, from pests and pathogens to nutrition, economics and immigration. In addition, the UC Cooperative Extension maintains an office in Ventura that is staffed by experts in a variety of subjects.

University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of California Agricultural Issues Center
Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics
UC Cooperative Extension

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UCCE Staff in Ventura:

Rose Hayden-Smith, County Director
Specialties: Agricultural literacy, youth and community gardening, sustainable food systems, volunteer management; U.S. history.
Email: rmhaydensmith@ucdavis.edu
Phone: (805) 645-1466

Oleg Daugovish, Strawberry and Vegetable Crop Advisor
Specialties: Ag and environmental issues for vegetable crops and strawberries
Email: odaugovish@ucdavis.edu
Phone: (805) 645-1454

James Downer, Farm Advisor
Specialties: Pathology of landscape ornamentals , phytophthora root rot, mulches, potting soils, palm horticulture, arboriculture
Email: ajdowner@ucdavis.edu
Phone: (805) 645-1458

Ben Faber, Farm Advisor
Specialties: Soils and water, avocados and minor subtropicals
Email: bafaber@ucdavis.edu
Phone: (805) 645-1462

Monique Myers, Coastal Community Development Advisor
Email: nicmyers@ucdavis.edu
Phone: 805-645-1482

Julie P. Newman, Environmental Horticulture Farm Advisor
Specialties: Floriculture and nursery production
Email: jpnewman@ucdavis.edu
Phone: (805) 645-1459

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Commodity Groups

Some of the county’s top commodities are represented by commissions created by the Legislature to promote California-grown products. In addition to providing marketing support for growers, the commissions compile and disseminate information about specific industry sectors.

Avocado Commission
Cut Flower Commission
Strawberry Commission
Tomato Commission

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Government Agencies

A variety of useful statistical data about agriculture is collected by the state and federal governments.

California Department of Food and Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service
2007 Census of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service
California Department of Conservation’s Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program

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Other Links

Click here for a list of other links to sources of information about agriculture, water and related issues.

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Policy Papers

Click on any of the titles below to download PDF versions of policy papers issued by the Farm Bureau and other community organizations.

Farm Bureau of Ventura County Land Use Policy.

A Community of Good Stewards: Building a Sustainable Food System in Ventura County, published by the Ag Futures Alliance.

Land Use Principles to Achieve Agricultural Sustainability in Ventura County, by the Ag Futures Alliance.

Farm Worker Housing: A Crisis Calling for Community Action, by the Ag Futures Alliance.

Farming Near Schools: A Community Based Approach for Protecting Children, by the Ag Futures Alliance.

2007 State of the Region Report by the Ventura County Civic Alliance.

The Future of Ventura County Agriculture: Issues and Opportunities for Workers and Growers, commissioned by the Ventura County Workforce Investment Board and produced by the UCSB Economic Forecast Project and California Lutheran University.

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