Figures from the California Strawberry Commission show that farmers in California are producing more berries in 2024 compared to the same time last year. That improved trendline is also true for the Santa Maria district. California has produced over 146 million flats of strawberries this season compared to 122 million flats the same time the last season. Strawberries continue to be the number one crop along the Central California coast, including in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County and Monterey County.
The 2023 crop year was one of its wettest years ever reducing the volume of the early season strawberry crop.California is home to nearly 90% of America’s strawberries and to generations of immigrants who have grown with the planted acreage.