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CARMELFARMERSMARKET OpenMay–September,RainorShine Tuesdays, 9 am – 1 pm TheBarnyardShoppingVillage Hwy 1 and Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel APTOS FARMERS MARKET Open Year Round, Rain or Shine Saturdays, 8 am – 12 pm Cabrillo College in Aptos 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos DEL MONTE FARMERS MARKET Open May – October, Rain or Shine Sundays, 8 am – Noon Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey MONTEREY FARMERS MARKET Open Year Round, Rain or Shine Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm Monterey Peninsula College 930 Fremont Street, Monterey Formoreinformation,visitwww.montereybayfarmers.org Y For seasonal recipes, see www.edibleparadise.com PREMIER FARMERS MARKETS ON THE CENTR AL COAST SERVING SANTA CRUZ, CAPITOLA, APTOS, MONTEREY AND CARMEL. Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets From our Markets to Your Table Ourcustomersenjoythebountifulselectionofpremiumquality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and artisans who produce it. WEgroWSUCCESSFULBUSINESSES websites social media adVeRtisiNG maRKetiNG desiGN 6 w. Gabilan st #15 ~ salinas, ca 93901 83 1. 42 2. 66 36 ~ w ww .g en nis .c om Nomatterifyouliveinasuburban,urban or rural area, new farming innovations are putting food on your plate, clothes on your back and fuel in your tanks. And wheth- er or not you're a foodie, a gardener or a large scale grower, you're benefiting from visionary leaders across the country who are changing the way we grow our food, fuel and fiber. In a constantly evolving economy, America's farmers, ranchers and rural leaders face what experts call a daunting task: growing the food an expanding urban population needs and making sure that they're able to continue doing so. "The future success of the agricultural industry relies on innovative leadership," says Leigh Picchetti, senior vice president of national communications for the Farm Credit Council, which represents the nationwide network of Farm Credit lenders that provide financial services and loans to rural communities and agriculture. To recognize those in the industry who are changing the future of rural enterprise and agriculture, and to celebrate its 100th An- niversary, Farm Credit has launched Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives, a nationwide initiative to honor 100 leaders and innova- tors from across the country whose insights and influence are ensuring thriving rural communities for years to come. "This is a national search, and we've already received nominations from 40 states rep- resenting both urban leaders like chef s and academicians and rural producers farming the land," says Picchetti. "We know there are additional worthy leaders out there and we're hoping to receive many more nominations." Individuals, couples and groups are eligible for nomination in 10 categories. Ten of the 100 honorees will receive a $10,000 award to help further their leadership contribu- tions, along with a trip for themselves and a guest to Washington, D.C., in 2016 to partici- pate in a special recognition event. A panel of experts will evaluate the nomi- nations, which can be submitted by anyone and are being accepted now through De- cember 18, 2015. Winners will be announced in March 2016 in conjunction with National Ag Day. Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives categories include: • Rural and Urban Connection • Mentoring and Volunteerism • Agriculture Education and Community Impact • Rural Policy Influence • Leadership (over 21) • Youth Leadership (21 and younger) • Beginning Farmer or Rancher Achievement • Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Sustainability and Natural Resource Conservation • Financial Stewardship To learn more or make a nomination, visit www.FarmCredit100.com. The agricultural industry, perhaps more than any other, must constantly evolve in order to keep pace with a changing world. Consumers can thank top agricultural movers and shakers who are helping the industry stay up-to-date. Despite the unprecedented drought and the fragile state of local groundwater levels, San- ta Cruz County crop values reached record levels, exceeding $616 million in 2014. The increase of $17 million was a nearly 3 percent boost compared to 2013, according to the annual crop report released Monday. Total acreage decreased slightly, from 18,244 in 2013 and 18,019 in 2014. "It shows stability in the agricul- tural industry," Mary Lou Nicolet- ti, county agricultural commission- er, said of agriculture's value. "It's not a huge increase, but that's not particularly surprising. Variable farmland is a finite resource." Although the nursery industry grew the most last year — up 10 percent to $119.7 million — much of the modest growth comes from Pajaro Valley's big berry industry. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries brought in a total of $396 million, which makes up 64 percent of the county's agricultur- al gross value. Their value grew just more than 1 percent. Although total acreage dipped slightly, strawberries fetched a higher price of $2,280 per ton. They continue to reign as the county's top commodity, which was valued at $228 million. And in second place, raspberries reached $131 million. Meanwhile, apples, which didn't see a cold enough winter, took a hit. Acreage fell 80 acres from 2013 along with their value, which dropped 8 percent to $10.9 million. The value of vegetable crops similarly declined about 3 percent to $72 million. Leaf lettuce saw the highest growth with more acreage and better yields. While Brussels sprouts continue to enjoy their newfound popularity. Their value dropped 22 percent to gross $11.3 million. Growers planted 13 more acres to meet consumer demand. "There was just an unbelievable explosion in demand for Brussels sprouts in 2013," said grower Steve Bontadelli. "We didn't get the same spike in 2014, but it's still high." Also noteworthy is continued growth in the local organic industry. More than 100 growers farm 4,000 acres of organic crops. The sector has ballooned during the past decade. In 2004, organic production was valued at $18 million. In 2014, its value was $118.8 million, up 24 percent from 2013. "The profit margins are better in or- ganics, and more people want organic," said Dick Peixoto, owner of Lakeside Organic Gardens. "The driving force in this area is the high demand for organic strawberries." But one thing farmers up and down California worry about is the drought. Though the four-year dry spell has hit harder elsewhere, the Pajaro Valley depends on groundwater that's in short supply. Underground aquifers here have been pumped in excess of rainfall recharge. It seems growers are still planting, despite the drought, and praying that the basin gets replenished by a wet winter this year," Nicolletti said. The 2014 Crop Report is available at www.agdept.com. Agriculture remains the top indus- try in Santa Cruz County. In neighboring Monterey County, crops on 280,119 acres there reached a value of $4.49 billion last year, according to its recent crop report. SeekingFresh PerspectivestoShape theFutureofFood SantaCruzCounty2014cropreportshowssteadygrowth ByAgStaff This section publishes in both the Fall and Spring in both Monterey and Santa Cruz Publications. To be included in the 2016 editions, please contact: Steve Bennett (831) 429-2416 sbennett@santacruzsentinel.com Online for one full year By Samantha Clark 1. Strawberries: $228.1M 2. Raspberries: $131.3M 3. Nursery stock: $77.3M 4. Cut flowers, greens: $42.3M 5. Vegetables: $41.4M 6. Blackberries: $35M 7. Lettuce: $19.3M 8. Brussels sprouts: $11.3M 9. Apples: $10.9M 10: Livestock: $7.3M DustfliesasafieldworkerdiscsafieldalongSanAndreasRoadMonday. PhotobyShmuelThaler Strawberries Apples Santa Cruz County's agriculture industry is valued at $616 million, according to the 2014 Crop Report. Here are the top earning commodities. #1 #9 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER25,2015 SANTACRUZSENTINEL.COM | | 7 D

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