Los Angeles County and the broader Southern California region are currently grappling with wildfires, which pose a direct threat not only to residents but also to the agricultural sector. Julia Zorthian, a long-time resident and farmer at Zorthian Ranch in Altadena, California, reports that the Eaton Fire has decimated nearly all of their 40-acre farm, a significant loss of both livelihood and heritage. The farm, established in the 1940s, has been a community staple, offering agricultural education and producing citrus and nut trees. The destruction has left the Zorthian family contemplating a future rebuild from what was once an 80-year accumulation of work and artistry.
The Los Angeles Food Policy Council's executive director, Alba Velasquez, highlighted that approximately 24 farms are currently facing challenges from the Eaton Fire, with the situation worsening daily. These challenges include not only the direct impact of flames and smoke but also the economic repercussions and air quality concerns that threaten the backbone of the local food system.
Peter Ansel from the California Farmers Bureau emphasized the smoke's threat to human and animal health, as well as to the crops themselves, citing past instances where vineyard yields in Wine Country were significantly affected. Similarly, Craig Underwood of Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, California, noted the economic strain as poor air quality and dangerous conditions at farmers markets in Los Angeles County have led to decreased sales. The farm has also suffered from power outages and potential scarring of lemons due to damaging winds, further stressing the economic impact.
In San Diego County, despite the absence of large fires, strong winds have caused considerable damage to farms. Andy Lyall, a fourth-generation citrus and avocado grower in Pauma Valley, reported losing about 50% of his avocado crop due to the violent Santa Ana winds. This loss is anticipated to affect the supply of avocados, a significant crop for the county, in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
These events underscore the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to natural disasters, affecting both the supply chain and the economic stability of growers in the region.
Source: ABC News