Rain not welcomed by some strawberry growers on Central Coast

In March the Central Coast saw lots of rain, Watsonville alone received more than seven inches. A big difference from years in the past.

“We’ve been dealing with a lot more rain. Which is desperately needed but that has been the biggest change from this winter going into the season than the last few,” said California Giant Berry Farms District Manager, J.T. Tipton.

But could all that rain be too much of a good thing? Organic growers at Alba in Salinas say ‘yes’.

“Their operation, success, and their livelihood relies entirely on what goes out here in the fields and so specifically our strawberry farmers are hoping that rains fade away,” said ALBA Organic Farms Operations Supervisor, Gerardo Fuentes.

Rain causes the berries to rot.

“The rain will sit on the berry, on the plastic and it will start to decay and Rott. So that’s something we can’t put in the clam shell. So we have to go through and throw that away,” said Tipton.

For small organic farmers throwing it away can mean a substantial loss.

“Unlike big agriculture, where they can afford to throw away 100-percent of the fruit, and focus on quality, here at ALBA like I said their livelihood relies on what goes out. So they’re trying to rescue as much as they can,” said Fuentes.

The forecast calls for more rain next week, the good news is the season is just starting.

“It’s more than a plus than a minus. Now as we get into the spring, growers are definitely wanting the rain to shut off. They want to get out there and get going to pick these strawberries so everyone can have them,” said Tipton.