Santa Barbara County and adjacent communities are home to an abundance of farmers markets. Most are certified farmers markets, which require that participants raise, catch, gather, grow or otherwise produce the products they sell. All other food producers must have verifiable proof of production, undergo an on-site inspection, meet all county and state health department regulations and carry appropriate licensing.

​

Growers here produce more than 100 commercial crop varieties, and the annual value of Santa Barbara County production ranks it 16th among the nation’s 3,140 counties. Thanks to the moderate climate, farmers can ship fresh fruit and vegetables from local fields and orchards to stores and restaurants year-round. Most of this bounty is destined for markets outside the county, but local residents can find a wide array of locally grown food at markets, restaurants and roadside stands throughout the area.