Strawberries lead agricultural economy in Monterey County

Strawberries led the agricultural economy in Monterey County for 2013, accounting for $869 million.

That’s according to the county’s latest crop report, released Tuesday in Salinas.

Berries were followed by leaf lettuces, which accounted for nearly $660 million, and head lettuces at almost $551 million. Rounding out the top 5 crops with values exceeding $100 million were broccoli ($427 million) and nursery products ($312 million.)

The value of 2013’s strawberry crops marked an increase of about $85 million from the year prior, representing an all-time record for the fruit’s production.

Overall, the county’s crops set an all-time record value of $4.38 billion.

To view the entire 2013 Crop Report for Monterey County, click here.