A new disease affecting strawberries is causing concern among farmers across the East Coast, with North Carolina, the third-largest producer of strawberries, being significantly affected. State officials have warned that the disease presents too high a risk for the crop's cultivation this season. Brent Jones, of Jones Strawberry Farm, remarked on the unprecedented situation of not planting strawberries for the first time in 16 years following a sudden alert from the state about a fungus devastating the crop. The notification came just as planting was about to commence, with Jones having prepared to plant approximately 36,000 plants across three acres, all of which had to be canceled due to the risk of infection from the supplier's stock.
The potential loss of 36,000 pounds of strawberries signifies a substantial economic impact not only to individual farms but to the North Carolina economy, highlighting the severity of the situation. The issue extends beyond state borders, affecting global strawberry production, with countries like Mexico seeking alternative plant sources. The scarcity of strawberries is expected to lead to increased prices for consumers, though local purchases are still encouraged. In an attempt to mitigate financial losses, Jones Strawberry Farm plans to focus on its corn maze attraction, which, while not as lucrative as strawberry sales, provides some revenue during this challenging period. The corn maze is set to open on September 14.
Source: MyFox8