Santa Cruz County crop production: Banner year brings in $491M

Despite the economic downturn, the aggregate value of Santa Cruz County crops grew more than $6.31 million in 2009, according to an annual report by the Santa Cruz County Agriculture Commission.

The total gross production value for the year was $491.64 million, with strawberries holding the top value slot for the year and raspberries coming in second.

"I was surprised the market was as good as it was during the economic hardships that we're having," said Vince Gizdich of Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville. People are still buying fruit rather than foregoing it as a commodity. "I think people are thinking fruit is essential for good health. I think that's what kept the prices going well."