Exports of California food products dipped in August, with fruit and tree nuts decreasing by 8 percent when compared to the same time last year and vegetables dropping by 7.8 percent, according to data released on Friday by Beacon Economics.
The cause is fairly obvious, said a Beacon trade. An unprecedented drought has led to fallow fields and less food available for export. Ultimately, California can expect a rise in agricultural imports, he predicted, as grocers are unable to maintain volumes of locally-sourced produce.
The value of California fruit and nut exports was approximately $706 million in August and the value of vegetables was $133 million.
Troubles in the agricultural export market have been compounded by a strengthening U.S. dollar.