Raspberries Make up for Strawberries’ Decline

Strawberries are still Santa Cruz County’s biggest crop. Valued at over $160 million, they account for over one-third of the county’s total agricultural production. But with a drop in prices and crop rotation between Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, their value has dropped by $36 million since 2007. Farmers aren’t worried though, because raspberries have picked up the slack, increasing in value by $35
Growers say the two crops aren’t competing. “Strawberries fuel the industry,” according to John Eiskamp, a raspberry grower who also serves as president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. He also notes that other berries, such as blackberries, currants, and blueberries, have seen a similar rise in value over the past year. Other important crops in the county are vegetables, especially broccoli, houseplants and flowers. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.