Agriculture
Farming was Santa Cruz’s first industry and remains a keystone of the County’s economy. Agricultural hires 1 out of every 8 local workers; the market value of its products has from $400 million to more than $600 million in less than ten years notwithstanding a small net reduction in the acreage in production.
Nearly 2/3rds of that total production (2014) was generated by berries, led by strawberries at $220 million. Nursey crops (cut flowers, greens and nursey stock) account for another 20% of total value. Vegetables make up about 10% and the balance is generated by apples, wine grapes and other tree and vine fruit, livestock, and timber. Between 2010 and 2014 the value of organically grown products in the county grew by a factor of 4.5x to $119 million. (see: Reported Value for 2014 Crops).
Santa Cruz County Measure J (1978) and subsequent County general plans provide strong protection of agricultural land uses in Santa Cruz County. Agriculture's greatest threats are water shortages, including groundwater overdraft and land use conflicts, especially with residential development. Agriculture also has a rich social and cultural history in Santa Cruz County with an engaging Agriculture Center and Museum located at the County Fair Grounds.
Key Agriculture links:
Agriculture Commissioner of Santa Cruz County The Agriculture Commissioner represents the County Government in efforts to promote and protect agriculture, and, as they relate to agriculture to assure environmental quality and protect the health, safety and welfare of Santa Cruz County's citizens. The office is responsible for mosquito and other pest control, farmers markets, nursery inspection, organic agriculture, pesticide enforcement, and weights and measures enforcement. The Commissioner’s office also compiles the County’s annual crop report.
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County connects local landowners to federal, state and local programs and resources to assist in conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources. Governed by a local board of directors, the District advises owners and managers about required permits regarding changes in land form, water courses, wetlands, and similar actions that might have conservation impacts. They also advise property owners regarding conservation opportunities and conservation-optimizing project design. They are also a key source of information regarding financial assistance that may be available to implement conservation measures.
University of California Cooperative Extension provides research-generated knowledge and techniques related to agriculture, natural resources and youth development to farmers, landowners, and rural communities throughout the state. This rich source of up-to-date information on agricultural science, farm management, and government programs has been the go-to source for agriculture from genetics to farm equipment. It community programs such as Master Gardeners and 4-H have provided both education and a social hub for families throughout the Monterey Bay area. They also provide resources and support for fisheries and marine resources.
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau is an association of agriculture industries and interests in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The association has been a advocate for agriculture and a leader throughout the state and the nation in serving its members and the community. It has been particularly effective in efforts to preserve and protect agricultural land and its use and in sustaining a contemporary culture of farmers, workers, and related industries.
Agri-culture, launched by the County Farm Bureau more than two decades ago, operates Focus Agriculture, the "first-in-the-nation" educational program dedicated to immersing community leaders in the business and issues of agriculture in Santa Cruz County. Nine day-long session explore the breadth and depth segments from aqua-culture and organics to strawberries, brussel sprouts, and timber and the community and culture of local agriculture. Agriculture also sponsors other events and communications.
California Certified Organic Farmers is a statewide nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture through certification of organic growers, education, advocacy, and promotion. It publishes organic certification standards and compliance manuals, is a leader in the development of organic standards, and a strong advocacy for it “certified organic” members.
SC County Bank Santa Cruz County Bank, an approved USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Business and Industry (B&I) lender, is a lender for agricultural and agriculture-related businesses in Santa Cruz County. Our agricultural lending solutions are specifically designed to meet the financing needs of the agricultural industry and we provide a full complement of loan and depository services.
SCC Farmers Markets SCCFM currently operates five Certified Farmers’ Markets in Santa Cruz County and represents over 100 family farms, specialty food purveyors and artisans. They focus on providing direct access to organic produce.
Driscoll's is a privately held company that sells fresh strawberries and other berries. Its headquarters is in Watsonville, California, USA.
Key Agriculture links:
Agriculture Commissioner of Santa Cruz County The Agriculture Commissioner represents the County Government in efforts to promote and protect agriculture, and, as they relate to agriculture to assure environmental quality and protect the health, safety and welfare of Santa Cruz County's citizens. The office is responsible for mosquito and other pest control, farmers markets, nursery inspection, organic agriculture, pesticide enforcement, and weights and measures enforcement. The Commissioner’s office also compiles the County’s annual crop report.
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County connects local landowners to federal, state and local programs and resources to assist in conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources. Governed by a local board of directors, the District advises owners and managers about required permits regarding changes in land form, water courses, wetlands, and similar actions that might have conservation impacts. They also advise property owners regarding conservation opportunities and conservation-optimizing project design. They are also a key source of information regarding financial assistance that may be available to implement conservation measures.
University of California Cooperative Extension provides research-generated knowledge and techniques related to agriculture, natural resources and youth development to farmers, landowners, and rural communities throughout the state. This rich source of up-to-date information on agricultural science, farm management, and government programs has been the go-to source for agriculture from genetics to farm equipment. It community programs such as Master Gardeners and 4-H have provided both education and a social hub for families throughout the Monterey Bay area. They also provide resources and support for fisheries and marine resources.
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau is an association of agriculture industries and interests in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The association has been a advocate for agriculture and a leader throughout the state and the nation in serving its members and the community. It has been particularly effective in efforts to preserve and protect agricultural land and its use and in sustaining a contemporary culture of farmers, workers, and related industries.
Agri-culture, launched by the County Farm Bureau more than two decades ago, operates Focus Agriculture, the "first-in-the-nation" educational program dedicated to immersing community leaders in the business and issues of agriculture in Santa Cruz County. Nine day-long session explore the breadth and depth segments from aqua-culture and organics to strawberries, brussel sprouts, and timber and the community and culture of local agriculture. Agriculture also sponsors other events and communications.
California Certified Organic Farmers is a statewide nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture through certification of organic growers, education, advocacy, and promotion. It publishes organic certification standards and compliance manuals, is a leader in the development of organic standards, and a strong advocacy for it “certified organic” members.
SC County Bank Santa Cruz County Bank, an approved USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Business and Industry (B&I) lender, is a lender for agricultural and agriculture-related businesses in Santa Cruz County. Our agricultural lending solutions are specifically designed to meet the financing needs of the agricultural industry and we provide a full complement of loan and depository services.
SCC Farmers Markets SCCFM currently operates five Certified Farmers’ Markets in Santa Cruz County and represents over 100 family farms, specialty food purveyors and artisans. They focus on providing direct access to organic produce.
Driscoll's is a privately held company that sells fresh strawberries and other berries. Its headquarters is in Watsonville, California, USA.