Demographics

AGRICULTURE

Through the years, utilizing the unique growing conditions in the Carpinteria Valley, growers have been able to cultivate a wider variety of crops. Avocados, commercially grown here since the 1930's, now flourish in more locations than ever before. It is estimated that about 20 percent of the avocados in Santa Barbara County are grown in the Valley, mostly the prized Hass variety.  And for the past two decades local growers have been producing a variety of exotic fruits, cherimoyas, white sapotes, passion fruit and other subtropical treats, now shipped to upscale markets in this country and around the world.

Since the 1970's flower growing has been big business here, and blooms from Carpinteria's greenhouses and fields appear in wholesale and retail outlets all over the U.S. and Canada as well as on Tournament of Roses parade floats.

Growers who used to produce one crop now grow three or more, and high technology methods are cutting production costs, increasing yields and developing more beautiful plants.  Over 16 varieties of green and flowering potted plants and 40 varieties of cut flowers are grown. Today in the Carpinteria Valley over 30 nurseries are dedicated to this demanding, yet rewarding, industry.

There are several nurseries open to the public for individual or group tours. Call the Chamber of Commerce for information at 684-5479.