CALIFORNIA - As we reported recently on AndNowUKnow, California has been pelted with rainstorms causing flooding throughout the state, which has led President Biden to declare aid for the state. While growers continue to work to mitigate any supply issues caused by these storms, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) has released a statement focusing on the strength of the industry.

“Our region has experienced repeated storm systems that have flooded homes, roads, and businesses and impacted farms. While we continue to dig out and assess the damage to our communities, the resiliency of the people on the Central Coast and their ability to work together against diverse conditions comes into clear focus,” the statement began.

As stated in the release, the storms have occurred during the offseason for a majority of the crops grown in the Salinas Valley, with most vegetable production now centered in the California desert region and Yuma, Arizona.

Due to this, the association announced that it has seen limited impact on new plantings from the heavy rains, but a majority of plantings are now delayed until farms dry out.

“Fortunately, company facilities located in the Salinas Valley were able to overcome initial challenges and continue processing desert-grown vegetables despite some brief interruptions due to impacted public infrastructure from the heavy rains,” the association continued. “With a focus on keeping the community and its workforce safe, these companies and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) worked with local officials to overcome obstacles so consumers can continue to enjoy nutritious fresh produce and employees' livelihoods were protected.”

To read this blog post in its entirety and hear what else GSA had to say, click here.

For more storm updates and impacts, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Grower-Shipper Association of Central California