COUNTY'S CROP REPORT A MIXED BAG.

Byline: Troy Anderson Staff Writer

Los Angeles County produced $276 million worth of agricultural crops and products - a 6.7 percent increase in total gross value over last year, according to a report released Tuesday.

Vegetable crop acreage increased overall by 28.3 percent, and commodities such as root vegetables, table greens, vine crops and herbs burgeoned in value between 37 percent and 54 percent, said Agricultural Commissioner Cato R. Fiksdal.

``Even with an overall increase for the year, it was still a tough year for many of the county's growers,'' Fiksdal said. ``Market prices for peaches were higher but production and acreage dropped in half of the previous year's amount. Total fruit and nut crop acreage declined by 28 percent, and value by 21 percent.''

The county's No. 1 crop, ornamental nursery products, experienced a modest increase of 3 percent. Although limited, greenhouse space and field acreage for indoor foliage plants increased by 44 percent, and value by 178 percent.

Production yields of dry onions were slightly lower than the previous year; however, higher market prices caused total value to increase by 9.6 percent.

Growing areas and total value declined for ground cover while production of bedding plants increased only to see a reduction in value.

Fiksdal said county residents can purchase hundreds of varieties of locally and California-grown product directly from certified growers or the 80 certified farmers markets in the county.

The crop report is available for downloading at acwm.co.la.ca.us, or by calling [phone].

Troy Anderson, [phone]

troy.anderson(at)dailynews.com