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Santa Cruz County, California
Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
Small coastal county with redwood forests, coastal terraces, and inland valleys providing diverse growing conditions. Maritime influence creates cool, foggy summers ideal for certain specialty crops.
Agriculture focuses on organic vegetables, strawberries, apples, and wine grapes utilizing coastal climate advantages. Many operations emphasize sustainable and organic practices serving regional and Bay Area markets.
Quick Facts
| Region | Central Coast |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Vegetables, Floriculture, Horses, Cattle & calves |
| Farms & Ranches | ~650 (approx.) |
| Agricultural Land | ~48,000 acres |
| Average Farm Size | ~78 acres |
Find Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.
Find your Service Center:
Search for "Santa Cruz County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.
What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.
Programs for Santa Cruz County Operations
Based on Santa Cruz County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP supports organic production systems and water conservation in coastal agricultural operations. CSP promotes biodiversity and habitat conservation in small-scale sustainable farming systems throughout the county.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.
We don't have Santa Cruz County's specific LWG priorities yet.
Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Santa Cruz County?"
Your Next Steps in Santa Cruz County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
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