US (CA): Santa Cruz County crop value closes in on $600 million
Strawberries continued their long reign as the top agricultural commodity, according to a report released Tuesday by Agricultural Commissioner MaryLou Nicoletti. But vegetable production grew by the greatest margins last year, and the report also makes clear the increasing importance of organic farming in the county's mix of crops.
The report highlights the county's global reach, as well, with exports to a slew of countries, from Australia to Zambia.
"As the economy improves, people are buying more fruits and vegetables," said Nicoletti. "Agriculture remains a good, viable economic engine in our community."
Berries brought in $390 million, accounting for 65 percent of the county's agricultural gross value. The value of the strawberry crop grew 5 percent, raspberries, the county's second most valuable crop, 6 percent.
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