Strawberry Production
Strawberries are an over $334 million industry in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and rank as the number one and number four cash crop in these respective counties. In 2005, 12,250 acres of strawberries were planted in the area.According to the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, California strawberries are a $1.2 billion crop. California produces 88% of the nation's fresh and frozen strawberries and harvested 1.6 billion pounds of strawberries in 2004.
The Monterey/Santa Cruz strawberry industry employs over 30,000 people during the production season. Approximately 2.5 persons are employed on each acre of strawberries (this figure does not include employment in support industries, such as container and basket manufacturers, banks, equipment sales, etc.)
In 2004, the Monterey/Santa Cruz area produced over 57 million trays of fresh strawberries. That's 684 million pint baskets of strawberries!
The California Strawberry Industry is recognized for its scientific advancements. For example:
- Working closely with the University of California, the strawberry industry has produced pioneering research in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Strawberry farmers first researched IPM strategies in 1962. (IPM combines cultural practices, biological controls and intensive pest monitoring to reduce the use of crop protection compounds.)
- The research sponsored by California strawberry farmers has yielded new strawberry varieties now grown throughout the world.
The offshore breezes from California's Western ocean exposure provide year-round mild temperatures and an ideal climate for growing strawberries. This coastal climate makes the Monterey/Santa Cruz county area among the best places in the world to grow strawberries.