Two million acres of California farmland could be abandoned after floods
Recent estimates from the Center for Investigative Reporting reveal that a third of all revenue generated by California’s food industry comes from exports, which have tripled in value over the past decade. Exporting farmers growing spinach, lettuce and oranges (California’s signature winter crop) are among the worst affected by the rain.
Muddy conditions, mildew and standing water are preventing farmers from pruning seasonal tree crops as well as harvesting and planting produce. An estimated two million acres of irrigated farmland in California could be abandoned due to the recent flooding, and with thousands of locals depending on these farms for employment, local communities could also suffer.
Most of the recent rainfall will be collected in reservoirs and aquifers for use in future months, but not all farmers will benefit from the heavy precipitation and reports show that many growers are experiencing flooding and water damage that could negatively impact and delay harvesting for certain exported food crops.
source: oliveoiltimes.com
