By Patrick Prior, ALC Los Angeles
The unpredictable weather patterns in California this year have profoundly impacted many industries, particularly the produce industry. Prior to January 2023, 80% of California was listed as having severe drought conditions or worse. Now, the Salinas Valley, known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” has experienced devastating floods and crop damage, resulting in shortages, increased market prices, and substantial financial losses for growers. The flooding has impacted the readiness of spring produce such as lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and strawberries. Some areas of the Salinas Valley have received 600% above historical rainfall amounts. Additionally, the rainfall has raised many concerns about California’s ability to properly store water. A significant amount of the rainwater gets washed into the ocean. To better enhance water storage capacity, California is investing in projects such as constructing underground reservoirs and replenishing aquifers. Many feel an underground storage system will be a much more effective way to capture water as opposed to existing reservoirs. California will also be looking to promote more effective water conservation policies. A resilient water storage system will provide a huge relief to California growers, not only to protect from flood damage but to have more water resources available during heavy drought periods.
The Salinas Valley holds roughly 450,000 plantable vegetable acres and supplies 80% of the country’s vegetable production from April to July. The total crop and infrastructure damage is estimated to exceed $500 million, per the Produce News. Many planted crops have been lost, and the fields need time to dry out before farmers can replant. This has added significant complexity to operations, and growers still have customer requirements to meet. Many growers have responded quickly to combat these challenges. Some have increased production in other growing regions, including Yuma, Florida, and Mexico. California growers have continued to collaborate and show adaptability to ever-changing conditions.
In the end, many expected that the supply chain would recover, and market prices would drop to normal and we are already seeing progress. While the floods and crop damage in the Salinas Valley have caused a noticeable ripple in the supply chain, the California produce community will adapt and adopt innovative technologies and water management strategies to continue to handle drastic weather issues in the future. This is not the first or the last disruption that California farmers have faced. Whether it’s a drought or a flood, California growers will continue to bounce back and move forward.
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Patrick Prior graduated with a BA from the University of Portland. After graduation, he commissioned as an active duty officer in the US Army. After serving as a Transportation Officer for 4 years, he joined the Allen Lund Company in the Fall of 2019 and currently works in the LA Sales office as a Transportation Broker.
patrick.prior@allenlund.com