The discovery of gold in California in 1848 initiated a gold rush that rapidly increased immigration, paving the way for statehood. While many sought gold, others, like the Donner Party, sought farmland. The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 facilitated agricultural development, leading California to dominate the fresh produce market. Despite generating $60 billion annually, the farming industry now faces significant challenges, including a loss of 20% of farmers in the last decade and rising production costs, raising concerns about its sustainability and future viability.
When we talk about the things that are keeping me up at night, it really comes down to what is going to keep our members in business, Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, said this month during a gathering of industry leaders.
The industry is at a tipping point, she declared. She also pointed to a study by researchers at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo that detailed rising costs of producing lettuce in the Salinas Valley due to government regulations.
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