California is an agricultural powerhouse, producing over a third of the country’s vegetables and three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. It’s also experiencing extreme weather in the form of heat, drought, wildfires and floods, issues experts say will become increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change.
In this Modern Farmer feature series, we dig into how climate is impacting California’s producers through the lens of five of the state’s most iconic food products: dairy, citrus, salmon, wine grapes, and almonds.
by Naoki Nitta
Tulare County is the largest dairy producer in California and the U.S. But as climate change exposes the region’s vulnerability, could the industry collapse under its own weight?
The bacteria is fatal to citrus trees, and has decimated citrus groves in Florida and Texas. Now, California growers are holding the line to keep producing the vital crops.
by Rose Garrett
The state’s prized salmon have a will to survive against the odds. Can we get out of their way?
by Julie Tremaine
The California wine industry has been rocked by years of destructive wildfires. Now, it’s working to adapt before the next big one ignites.
by Emily Baron Cadloff
Rising temperatures, lack of water and encroaching development are creating tough conditions for the crucial California crop. Their continued viability could all depend on strengthening the lands on which they sit.
Series edited by Rose Garrett and Emily Baron Cadloff
Illustrations by Adam Ming
