US (CA): Lettuce growers scale back production
Less water and diseases have forced local farmers to reduce lettuce production by nearly 50% from last year.
Ag officials say the county's once $40 million crop now stands at a mere $28 million.
Preliminary estimates show acreage falling from 8,200 acres last year to just 4,400.
In addition, if the West side were to receive a zero water allocation, there could be a 70% decline in Spring lettuce acreage; that means fewer jobs and a reduction in local tax revenue.
Lawmakers have called on Governor Jerry Brown to declare a drought declaration for the valley, as we head into our third consecutive dry winter.
Source: kmjnow.com
