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In California, the spring harvest for asparagus has come to a close.
An estimated 3,000 acres of California farmland are currently devoted to growing asparagus. While that might seem like a lot, those numbers are down significantly from the year 2000, when 37,000 acres of asparagus were harvested across the Golden State. As the years progress, that acreage is likely to dwindle even more.
“Once considered the king of vegetables in California agriculture and a seasonal delicacy exported worldwide, asparagus is on the decline here,” writes the Los Angeles Times. Published in May 2024, the article explains that “the industry [is] succumbing to the pressures of the global market, largely because of labor costs.”
Locally-grown food doesn’t just taste better than imported food; it’s better for the economy and environment, too. For consumers in California, though, finding local asparagus has become harder and harder. Three conventional farms — Klein Family Farms in Stockton, along with the Firebaugh-based operations A-Bar Ag Enterprises and Turlock Fruit Co. — are responsible for growing most of the state’s crop, with the rest being supplied by a number of organic or small-scale operations. Across the border in Mexico, more and more operations have begun exporting their asparagus to the US. After all, favorable weather conditions have allowed Mexican farmers to harvest asparagus nearly year-round, and considerably lower labor wages — “nine times less than a California worker makes at the current agriculture minimum wage of $16 per hour,” the Los Angeles Times explains — allow the country to harvest more product for less money.
More than half of the fruit in the US is imported, along with more than a third of fresh vegetables. As consumers, we love the freedom to eat our favorite food at any time of year, even when it’s not in season locally. As supporters of local agriculture, though, we try to remain conscious of the growers who work tirelessly to maintain California’s reputation as “the breadbasket of the world.” We stand with our farmers!
If you’re looking to improve your own operation, give FGS a call. We can overhaul your irrigation system, supply you with first-rate pallets and/or corrugated packaging, and provide you with a variety of agricultural supplies. We’re located in California, just like you. Here’s to keeping things local.
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2024-06-17 06:00:35
Karl Hoffman is a distinguished agriculturalist with over four decades of experience in sustainable farming practices. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Cornell University and has made significant contributions as a professor at Iowa State University. Hoffman’s groundbreaking research on integrated pest management and soil health has revolutionized modern agriculture. As a respected farm journalist, his column “Field Notes with Karl Hoffman” and his blog “The Modern Farmer” provide insightful, practical advice to a global audience. Hoffman’s work with the USDA and the United Nations FAO has enhanced food security worldwide. His awards include the USDA’s Distinguished Service Award and the World Food Prize, reflecting his profound impact on agriculture and sustainability.
