Santa Cruz County’s agricultural production increased in value in 2025, fueled largely by a strong year for strawberries, according to the county’s annual crop report.
The estimated gross production value of agricultural commodities reached $762.96 million, up 2.8% from $741.92 million in 2024. The figures represent gross production value and do not account for expenses such as labor, irrigation, transportation, harvesting and marketing.
Strawberries remained by far the county’s most valuable crop, generating nearly $278.9 million, a roughly 27% increase from the previous year.
Growers harvested 108,930 tons of strawberries from 2,730 acres in 2025, compared with 87,570 tons from 2,640 acres in 2024. The price also increased slightly, from $2,500 to $2,560 per ton.
“Strawberries had an exceptionally strong year, but the report also shows how much conditions can vary from crop to crop,” Agricultural Commissioner David Sanford said.
Berries continued to dominate the county’s agricultural industry. Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries together generated $490.25 million, accounting for about 64% of the county’s total agricultural production value. Blackberries increased 3.7% to $106.4 million, while raspberries fell about 15% to just under $105 million.
Other sectors did not fare as well.
Nursery crops, including nursery stock, cut flowers and cut greens, fell 5.3% to $153.8 million. Vegetable crops dropped 15.8%, from $97.9 million in 2024 to $82.45 million last year.
Within the vegetable sector, however, broccoli climbed from about $5 million to $8.3 million, while Brussels sprouts increased from $8.9 million to $10.3 million. Lettuce and miscellaneous vegetables declined.
Organic production also increased slightly, reaching $143.94 million compared with $142.59 million in 2024. The number of registered organic operations rose from 138 to 146, although organic acreage declined from 7,057 to 6,174 acres.
Sanford cautioned that crop values should not be confused with profits.
“These figures reflect what growers produced and its estimated gross value, and do not account for the substantial costs of growing, harvesting and bringing products to market,” he said.Strawberries drive increase in Santa Cruz County crop values
