From the California Farm Bureau Federation's Ag Alert:
Preliminary figures on damage and losses from drought and water shortages run as high as $1.4 billion, in just five San Joaquin Valley counties.Agricultural commissioners in the five counties report that most of the losses relate to acres not planted or to anticipated yield reductions because of water shortages. About $12 million in losses relate to drought damage to rangeland. The agricultural commissioners agree these loss totals could increase as farmers report final production figures.
In the nation's leading county in farm and ranch production value, Fresno, the agricultural commissioner's office estimates 262,000 acres have been idled because of the lack of irrigation water. Using last year's crop report, which estimated production value per acre at an average $2,787, the possible loss totals more than $730 million.
1 comment:
It will be interesting to see how food prices react. They probably won't go up too high, as imports from a foreign market will take their place.
It is a shame to see how the rest of the U.S. is reacting, I mean ignoring, the current agricultural issues in California.
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