SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo announced Wednesday the release of the 2017 crop report.
The report shows crop values at $581,200,000, a nine percent decline from 2016 values of $637,332,000. This follows several years of strong growth in Santa Cruz County’s agricultural sector.
The report estimates gross values and does not take into account production costs nor reflect the total contribution of agriculture to the Santa Cruz County economy.
While strawberries remain the top crop in Santa Cruz County, with an estimated value of $211,196,000, a drop in acres under production and adverse market forces contributed to the decline. Berries, including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, account for nearly two-thirds of the total gross production value of Santa Cruz County crops.
Vegetables, timber, livestock, and tree and vine fruits such as apples and wine grapes all increased in total production value in 2017.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the farmers, ranchers, boards, commissions, packinghouses and agencies who contributed vital data without which this report would not be possible,” Hidalgo wrote in a statement released with the report. “And many thanks to my staff for their dedication to compiling and producing the 2017 Santa Cruz County Crop Report.”
For information and to view the report, visit agdept.com.
