Fresh strawberries on display at a local fruit stand in Fulton, Calif., on Aug. 26, 2023. In Santa Cruz County, strawberries remained the top crop last year, with production value rising 18%, according to the county’s annual crop report. (Sarah Stierch via Bay City News)

The value of Santa Cruz County’s berry crops such as strawberries rose 16 percent to $446.1 million last year, according to an annual crop report.

Berries accounted for the majority of the county’s $741.9 million in agricultural commodities, which grew 13.3% over the previous year, the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office said Friday.

Strawberries were the top crop, valued at an estimated $218.9 million with about 2,640 acres in production in 2024. 

The total gross production value for strawberries grew about 18% as acreage and tons harvested increased, according to the agricultural commissioner.

Berries overall — strawberries, raspberries and blackberries — made up 60 percent of the total gross production value for the county.

Gross production yield and value are influenced by factors such as weather, labor, and the marketplace, the report said.