California Citrus Mutual estimates:
US (CA): 15,000 citrus acres bulldozed this year
It's easy to spot the impacts of the drought on citrus. The California Citrus Mutual estimates up to 15,000 acres will be bulldozed this year. Across the Valley, growers are ripping out trees and planting new ones -- hoping to save water.
Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual, explains new trees require less water. The technique allows for more water for older trees. But some growers are done.
More and more "for sale" signs are popping up in front of groves. Nelsen says this is the first time they're seeing that happen.
Nelsen says consumers again can expect smaller-than-normal fruit because of the drought. He's hoping more water will be given to growers in the future to improve citrus growth.
There is the potential for more rain this winter with a possible El Nino, but that rainfall likely won't come soon enough to help this year's crop.
Source: abc7news.com
