Over 90% of fresh US broccoli comes from drought-hit California
The ongoing drought in California threatens the broccoli supply of the entire nation. Estimates indicate that shipment reductions could exceed twenty percent if conditions worsen. Experts propose that by growing more broccoli on the East Coast, costs related to supply chains could decrease and food miles reduced, leading to a more robust and dependable broccoli market across the country.
An average American consumes between 6 to 8.5 pounds of fresh broccoli each year. The United States produces more than 500,000 tons of broccoli annually, with California responsible for about 90% of the total crop. Broccoli is the most popular vegetable in the country. However, a recent Cornell University study found that California's broccoli supply is at risk due to droughts. The research examined 20 years of shipping records and federal drought data to analyze the potential impact of drought on broccoli shipments.
The study explored three scenarios: no drought, moderate drought, and severe drought. It found that a severe drought in California could lead to a 20.3% decrease in broccoli shipments, while a moderate drought could cause a 9% drop. This is significant because the East Coast has a larger population—128 million people compared to 51.6 million on the West Coast—meaning much of the country's broccoli must be transported long distances from where it is grown to where it is consumed.
Researchers suggest that expanding broccoli production to the East Coast could reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions. They propose growing broccoli in states such as Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The model showed that shifting production east could reduce supply chain costs by approximately $10 million during a severe drought scenario.
However, this would come with trade-offs. Broccoli is more expensive to produce in the East due to higher labor costs and the reliance on hand harvesting. Additionally, the study notes that treating broccoli grown in California as interchangeable with broccoli grown in the East Coast does not account for buyer preferences, existing supplier contracts, or regional differences in shelf life and handling.
While California remains the critical broccoli production region, the researchers emphasize that diversifying the supply chain with the East Coast could enhance the country's resilience. They conclude that growing broccoli on the East Coast could help create a more resilient supply chain without adding substantial supply chain costs.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
