Approximately 169,000 acres in Marin are farms or ranches . This amounts to 50 percent of the land in Marin. Of the 276 agricultural operations in Marin, 72 are considered large farms (annual gross income of $100,000 or more), and 204 are considered small or mini-farms (annual gross income of less than $100,000). The average size of a farm in Marin is 827 acres, and the majority are third- and fourth-generation family owned operations.
Strawberry field
Agriculture in Marin contributes almost $50 million annually to the local economy, with milk production dominating at 53 percent.
Marin's topography is one of rolling hills, coastal bluffs and flat interior valleys separated by hills. While the hilly topography, prevalence of nonprime soils and lack of reliable water supplies are deterrents to more intensive agriculture like row crops, some areas in Marin that are rich in alluvial soils support diverse vegetable and specialty crops.
Marin's coastal agriculture is well known for its quality grasslands, due to foggy, moist conditions that keep the grasses green much of the year and make them well suited for grazing dairy, beef cattle and sheep.
About twenty percent of the Bay Area's milk comes from Marin dairies. Milk and milk products have dominated agricultural sales in Marin for over 125 years. There are approximately 89 dairies in Sonoma and 29 in Marin. Among the 43 counties in California that produce milk, Marin is ranked 15th .
Cows
Livestock production is the second largest agriculture industry in the county, with 159 beef cattle, cow/calf, and sheep grazing operations producing livestock, replacement heifers for dairies and breeding stock.
In 2002, 11 growers used 1,287 acres of bay bottom in Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero to grow approximately 850,000 lbs. of shellfish worth about $2.3 million. Many local restaurants want fresh oysters and mussels for their customers who often drive up from San Francisco for this fresh seafood.
While milk and livestock products have dominated Marin's agricultural activities, a fast growing number of small truck farm operations (24) produce organic vegetables farming 1,560 acres for Bay Area restaurants and farmer's markets totaling about $3.9 million annually. Several nurseries grow many crops, from roses and iris to heather and native plants. There are eight commercial grape growers producing 145 tons of cool-weather wine grapes on 82 acres. Marin's agricultural products are known for their high quality, freshness, and distinct flavor.
Since 1983, the Marin Farmer's Market has helped connect consumers directly to farmers and their produce. There are seven local Marin markets and many of the top food purveyors at the San Francisco Ferry Market hail from Marin County.
Facts: Learn more about local agriculture in our Amazing but True Facts sheet.