Farms, orchards and ranches cover nearly one quarter of the county. Fields producing berries, landscape plants, lettuce and other vegetables define much of the character of the County and significantly contribute to its economic vitality.
The California Department of Finance valued agricultural production in the County at over $400 million in 2005. The County's extensive redwood forests support a small but vital part of the timber economy as well.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is committed to protecting the County's farm, ranches and timberlands to ensure a sustainable supply of these agricultural commodities for future generations. The Conservation Blueprint will identify strategies to protect the County's most productive working lands and diverse agricultural heritage, and also to support the continued economic viability of working lands.