Survey shows how Monterey County agriculture industry is impacted by COVID-19
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) A survey conducted by the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner's Office shows how much growers around the county are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACO said that out of 186 growers surveyed between April 20 and 14, 116 responded and took part.
In terms of overall losses, 44 of the growers reported that they have seen losses, and 2,093 acres have been lost or not planted. Forty-two of those experiencing losses are vegetable growers.
In addition to acreage lost, 23 vegetable growers said they have plowed crops under. Those crops include lettuce, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, arugula, wine grapes, artichokes and more.
So far, berry growers said they have not experienced losses, but the season has not started yet.
According to the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, 60% of growers who participated in the survey said they are seeing low demand from the food service industry because of market saturation. Five coolers and one grower said they had donated produce to local food banks.
“Changes to the marketplace since the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders has jeopardized the ability of many farms to remain financially stable, and to date, federal relief programs have offered little in assistance.” said Farm Bureau Executive Director Norm Groot said, "Specialty crops have been hit hard by changing consumer choices and reductions in restaurant food supply services.”
A total of 14 growers reported having trouble obtaining personal protective equipment and disinfectant, and said they are facing extra costs while experiencing unprecedented losses.
“While this survey reflects only a glimpse of some on-farm economic impacts, we anticipate that in the months ahead the full picture will reveal significant supply-chain impacts.” according to Grower-Shipper’s Association President Chris Valadez, “A longer term perspective will likely
demonstrate the extraordinary measures taken by growers, shippers, and processors to protect farm workers while maintaining the continuity of our food supply during this unprecedented pandemic.”
Read the survey results released by the Agricultural Commissioner's Office below.
