America’s broccoli supply faces significant risks due to its heavy reliance on California. Over 90% of fresh broccoli in the U.S. is grown in this state. This makes the supply chain highly vulnerable during droughts, as per recent findings from Cornell University.
Impact of Drought on Broccoli Supply
The research highlighted how drought conditions in California can affect broccoli shipments nationwide. It investigated whether increasing production on the East Coast could offer protection to the nation’s supply.
The study, published in Agribusiness, used historical data to model the broccoli supply chain under varying drought conditions. During moderate drought periods, shipments from California could decrease by nearly 9%. In severe droughts, the reduction could exceed 20%.
Concerns and Adaptations
Caution is advised in interpreting these figures as evidence of past collapses in supply. The 20% decline is an average correlated with higher drought-index periods between 2000 and 2019.
California has consistently supplied the majority of America’s broccoli through multiple droughts. This is achieved through adapted irrigation, strategic crop management, and planting decisions.
Potential Solutions on the East Coast
The Cornell study suggested expanding production across ten Eastern states as a way to buffer against drought impacts in California. Growing seasons vary, allowing production to shift northward throughout the year. This begins in the Southern states during cooler months, moving to Northern states as temperatures rise.
Under severe drought conditions, expanded East Coast production could cut annual supply-chain costs by roughly $10 million. It could also decrease transportation distances to Eastern markets by 20%.
Weather Risks and Diversification
Expanding Eastern production diversifies supply but comes with its own risks, including summer heat and disease due to humidity. Despite challenges, diversification plays a crucial role in managing risks.
California’s adaptive capacity and quality should be considered when assessing the nation’s broccoli supply resilience.
Under the proposed model, California would remain a major source of broccoli. East Coast production offers suppliers alternatives during drought-imposed reductions in California shipments.
Peter Burke is a lifestyle editor with Fox News Digital, focusing on food and drink topics.