Heat impacts on the Central Coast farms and farmworkers
The heat wave is here! Hot temperatures can cause stress on the body, and crops. For farmworkers that means days start earlier. JSM Organics AG workers, were on the fields by 5:30 A.M. to beat the day time highs.
“80 degree heat, its not much to others, but people around this area, since we’re not use to it, we take it as a heat wave,” Jose Villanuvea, Employee JSM Organics Farm.
Most field workers on the Central Coast are use to the mild climate here, with temperatures averaging between the upper 50s and low 70s. But when temperatures start to soar, it can start to feel uncomfortably hot. “When those 75, 80, 85 days its feels like about 110,” Javier Zamora, Owner of JSM Organics
JSM Organics is keeping employees safe, while still looking out for their produce. Workers throughout the day are provided with shaded areas, water, and breaks. JSM Organics Owner takes it a step further; he’s out there with his crew, monitoring their conditions. “The number one thing, is you always have to keep yourself on the farm and all the members in your mind, meaning you have to care for them.”
It’s not just farm workers who can succumb to the toasty temps, heat stress can also impact crops. And for our area, which has miles of thriving farm fields, it can have a negative impact on the multi-billion industry.
“If its too hot the strawberries will actually burn. They will actually blister and they will melt, says Zamora.
Losing crops might hurt the pocket book, its damaged goods can replaced for Zamora, that’s not his number one property. “Its not a choice that we are going to put our crops ahead of the well-being of our crew”
Remember if you have to be out in the direct sunlight, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, wear loose clothing, and long sleeved shirts that farm workers wear helps to prevent sunburns.
