Cali Weather
California is known for having amazing weather and it’s the reason many move there either to settle or retire. Let’s ignore the taxes, and that statement becomes true. Regardless, parts of the state have become great areas for farmland, producing unique crops that only specific areas of the country can cultivate. The climate has contributed to this and that’s why you can find good farmland along the Central Valley, Northern California, and the Colorado River.
California weather, unfortunately, has taken a dark turn in the past few years. It feels like large wildfires occur every year and the state is currently undergoing a record heat wave that has placed farmers in a sticky situation. Lettuce farmers across California are finding that their plants are starting to melt and go bad very quickly due to boiling temperatures, which have increased the number of diseases in crops. Nature’s Reward, a California-based grower, said that their lettuce yields will likely be 15 percent less than last year, which is a major step back. Their strawberry shipments are also being affected by the temperature, causing a bad harvest that leaves little to be sent. Other growers across the West have the same concerns and fruits like cherries and watermelons are becoming scarce too.
This might seem like a regional problem, but it could be a contributor to rising prices across the country. Grocery stores and supermarkets across the country rely on California’s produce in order to stock their shelves with fruits and vegetables, and this drought has forced them to visit other options like Canada and other US states. Produce prices have increased by 11 percent in the last month, while volume declined by 5 percent. Californian businesses are being harmed the most and it’s yet another economic issue the US must face as climate change worsens.
I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.
