F O O D - Even Less

[sharick]

SoCal berry growers to close six farm locations, lay off hundreds of workers

“SoCal Berry Growers, a major strawberry grower in Southern California, plans to close six farms and lay off hundreds of people who work at the locations.”

“The company supplies strawberries for Driscoll’s, which markets berries grown by independent farmers under contract.”

“The County of Ventura 2025 Crop and Livestock Report shows strawberries as the county’s leading agricultural commodity, with growers reaping $808 million in wholesale revenue. Still, growers lost money on the crop. In Ventura County, production costs reached about $815 million, leaving growers with a net loss.”

[nperpetuity]

I’ll never eat non-organic strawberries

This might be why the farms are closing.

[sharick]

Yu-u-u-k!!

@nperpetuity

This might be why the farms are closing.

Yes, one of many valid reasons for farms no longer being able to operate profitably.

In stark contrast, I had two incredible berry moments in San Juan Capistrano (California) at this certified organic farm. My visit with family coincided with their strawberry harvest and on certain days, they opened fields to the public, something like “U-Pick” they called it.

For a fee, we each got baskets to weigh what we brought back, and the cost assumed we would eat far more along the way (so true). The berries were numerous, large, free of bugs and absolutely delicious. I never at so many in my life. Two experiences in one, actually. It was my first and very likely, last time doing that. I savor the memory.

(File photo of workers picking)

[Bill10558]

I used to always buy strawberries whenever I grocery shop. Lately organic strawberries are harder to find, yet the section is overflowing with non-organic strawberries.