According to Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Christopher Greer, the total cost of economic loss for San Joaquin Valley growers will surpass the original $60 million estimate. As floodwater swept through the Valley, it took millions of dollars from the agriculture economy, leaving mere remnants of orchards in its wake.
Originally, the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s office sent in their estimated damage reports to Cal OES at the wake of the flood, but assistant commissioner Christopher Greer said that number has changed significantly. “Agriculture is resilient. However, we’re dealing with the severe weather that really does affect our local, state and national food supply.”
Greer added: “Hopefully we as a community, Tulare County and as a state recover from this and go back to being the vibrant agricultural state that we are.”
Tree crops, such as tree nuts, stone fruit, vineyards and citrus, could be affected as a result of standing water in these orchards. In addition to the lack of oxygen, the roots could loosen and therefore the trees could lose their footing and fall over. There is also the risk of trees developing a fungus or root rot which would show during harvest. For products like almonds and pistachios, that would not show until the fall. Others like citrus for example, are having issues surrounding the actual harvest of the fruit.
Source: thesungazette.com