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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.
In Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, strawberry production can begin
in March and extends through November.
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..
The 13th Annual MONTEREY BAY STRAWBERRY
FESTIVAL will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd,
4th & 5th
at Ramsay Park in Watsonville. The celebration will serve up a menu of
delectable strawberry delights, along with non-stop community entertainment,
gooey contests for berry lovers, a special children's area with strawberry
projects, carnival and much more.
Back to the Monterey Bay
Strawberry Festival Home Page
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