 The Salinas Valley is the center for Monterey County’s 3.8 billion-dollar agriculture industry. Due to its temperate, Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soils, the county has become the number one vegetable-producing region in the nation. The area supplies 80 percent of the nation’s lettuces and nearly the same percentage of artichokes. Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, strawberries, peppers, squash, carrots, asparagus, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, garlic, onions and flowers are also grown in abundance. In addition, Monterey County has become one of the largest premium grape growing regions in California, with over 40,000 acres of wine grapes. The industry finds strenght in diverse variety.
Local growers and shippers lead the industry in all phases of crop growth including seed technology, planting and irrigation, harvesting and marketing. Pre-packaged salads and precut fresh vegetables were created in the Salinas Valley, and this innovation has changed the way consumers buy vegetables. These expanding technologies are being recognized and imitated by farmers around the world.
Monterey County continues to be a leader in agricultural exports with over 570 million pounds of produce exported annually. Top importers of Salinas Valley produce include Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico and the European Union.
Organic produce is an expanding market and has been incorporated into the holdings of most large companies. There are currently over 14,000 acres of organic vegetables growing in Monterey County.
Local tour companies offer agricultural tours to provide a close up view of the county’s leading industry (see our tourism section for more details).
More than 40 crops exceeded $1 million in production value in 2008.
| Top 10 Monterey County Crops in 2008: |
- Leaf Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Head Lettuce
- Nursery
- Broccoli
- Grapes
- Spring Mix
- Spinach
- Misc. Vegetables
- Celery
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$651,503,000
$619,267,000
$460,605,000
$326,105,000
$276,110,000
$238,366,000
$172,386,000
$131,004,000
$123,560,000
$121,343,000
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Agriculture Resources
Grower Shippers Vegetable Association of Central California (831) 422-8844
Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner (831) 759-7325
Monterey County Farm Bureau (831) 455-2100
Salute to Agriculture
| About the Salinas Valley |
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