The recent stretch of cold weather has impacted Southern California farmers – affecting acres of crops that are accustomed to more temperate conditions. Laura Avery spoke to Troy Regier about his family's losses from the record freeze, explaining that an 80% crop loss is the same as a 100% loss, since it's too expensive to root through each piece of fruit to find the undamaged produce.
Troy Regier's challenges are a reminder of the hard work and risks taken by our local farmers. Losses that result from catastrophic situations, like weather conditions, can cause farmers to go bankrupt. After a loss, farmers often have to obtain a line of credit against their house or take out a personal loan just to make ends meet, adding to the pressure of a successful growing season the following year.
Support your local farmers market!
Music Break: Tito - Groove Collective