Latest News From Flood

The USDA designated four counties and 10 contiguous counties as natural disaster areas. Farmers in these areas may be eligible for emergency loans and other assistance.

When Tropical Storm Hilary hit Southern California, Palm Springs received nearly 50% of its yearly rainfall in a matter of hours. While the deluge caused flooding, one area farmer is cautiously optimistic.

While the majority of Salinas Valley acreage was not greatly affected by two rounds of atmospheric rivers and floods, some growers are leveraging other growing regions to ensure continuity of supply.

While hoping to inspire others to give generously, the California-based companies have provided funds to local nonprofits that are working to meet thousands of affected residents’ needs.

The retailer has partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in disaster relief efforts in Southern California.

“Farmers in the Salinas Valley were picking up the pieces from January’s flood event when hit by the March storm and subsequent flooding,” said Chris Valadez, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.

California farmers are facing another round of flooding, with fields still bearing scars from January’s floods. An area known for production of fresh berries and lettuce is expected to now have a larger loss.

“For the farms that were flooded, this catastrophe hit at the worst possible time. Farmers had borrowed money to prepare the fields and were weeks away from beginning to harvest," said CSC's Rick Tomlinson.

Western Growers and California Farm Bureau are praising California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to lift regulations, allowing floodwater to recharge aquifers during the ongoing weather crisis across the Golden State.

The California Fresh Fruit Association has applauded a 35% water allocation, which was previously 0%, but is emphasizing the need for storage, management and infrastructure improvement.

Economists have confirmed that Florida citrus crops sustained the most extensive hurricane damages, estimated at over $247 million, in a study of Hurricane Ian's impacts to Florida agriculture.

From flooding to mudslides, an atmospheric river produced rain that wreaked havoc on agriculture and infrastructure in the state. One of the hardest-hit areas is the Salinas Valley, a large lettuce production area.

The 4,200,000 square feet of facilities in the Salinas Valley are an average 42 years old and are in desperate need of updates, according to the CEO of Growers Ice, a post-harvest real estate company.

The outlook is good for the California strawberry crop despite statewide storm damage, says the California Strawberry Commission.

Flooding in Central Texas has forced cattle to be evacuated and in one case a pair of men who were trying to save cattle had to be recused themselves.

Low temperatures and precipitation kept the produce industry on its toes again the week of Jan. 8.

Florida growers set to collect smallest crop since 1945.

This year’s U.S. Atlantic hurricane season is officially the most expensive ever.    

Florida Orange Crop Seen Plunging to 71-Year Low After Irma