The value of Santa Cruz county’s agricultural production rose by more than 13 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, the county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office reported Wednesday.
According to the 2024 Crop Report, the total gross value of all crops for that year was nearly $741 million, a 13.3 percent increase over 2023.
“Santa Cruz County farmers and ranchers have once again demonstrated resilience and innovation,” agricultural commissioner David Sanford said. “Despite challenges related to labor, markets, and weather, growers expanded acreage and harvests, helping to drive a strong year for local agriculture.”
The county’s top crop was again strawberries, which hauled in nearly $219 million on 2,640 acres, according to the report.
Berry crops overall — strawberries, raspberries and blackberries — led the charge with 60 percent of the county’s total production value at $446 million in 2024.
Nursery crops grew by 12 percent to $162.4 million, vegetables rose 8 percent to $97.9 million, apples increased 12 percent to $13.3 million and timber declined nearly 20 percent to $6.3 million, according to the report.
Also, the county’s 160 organic farmers accounted for $142.6 million in certified organic production in 2024.
The full 2024 Crop Report is available at www.agdept.com.
