{"id":437635,"date":"2026-08-19T21:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T21:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/437635\/"},"modified":"2026-08-19T21:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T21:00:13","slug":"us-broccoli-supply-under-major-threat-of-california-droughts-study","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/437635\/","title":{"rendered":"US broccoli supply under major threat of California droughts: study"},"content":{"rendered":"

California dominates America\u2019s broccoli<\/a> supply \u2014 bad news for the rest of the country.<\/p>\n

Broccoli is the most consumed vegetable in the country, and the sunshine state grows over 90%<\/a> of America\u2019s fresh broccoli.<\/p>\n

A recent study published in Agribusiness<\/a> by researchers from Cornell University warns that the country\u2019s supply of broccoli is vulnerable to the risk of drought in California.<\/a><\/p>\n

Broccoli is the most consumed vegetable in the country. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

In the study, the researchers compiled 20 years of shipping records and federal drought data to build a model that analyzed 14 potential sources of broccoli, including California, Arizona, Mexico, Canada, and 10 eastern states.<\/p>\n

Their results showed that a severe drought in California could cause broccoli shipments to fall by 20%, while a moderate drought could cause a 9% drop in shipments.<\/p>\n

According to their research, water droughts in California have reduced broccoli crop yields and the amount of planted acreage since 2000. <\/p>\n

\u201cCalifornia remains central to the nation\u2019s fresh fruit and vegetable supply, including broccoli,\u201d Cornell researcher Bingyan Dai told Fox News Digital<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same time, drought events in California have become more frequent in recent years, affecting fresh broccoli production and reliable access for American consumers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Water droughts in California have reduced broccoli crop yields and planted acreage since 2000, the study says. Design Pics Editorial\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Researchers suggest that growing more broccoli on the county\u2019s east coast could reduce the risk of a breakdown in broccoli supply. <\/p>\n

The study revealed that expanding broccoli production to eastern states could reduce supply chain costs by around $10 million under a severe drought scenario.<\/p>\n

Christopher Valadez, president and CEO of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, cautioned against doom and gloom, telling Fox News that California\u2019s growing regions have continued to supply the country with broccoli during several drought periods.<\/p>\n

\u201cSensible diversification has a role in risk management,\u201d Valadez told the outlet, emphasizing California\u2019s \u201cproven adaptive capacity and quality advantages.\u201d<\/p>\n

The state has continued to support the country\u2019s broccoli supply even during periods of drought, the CEO of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California says. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Still, researchers say expansion to the east could strengthen the supply chain.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur study suggests that growing broccoli on the East Coast could help make the country\u2019s supply more resilient without adding substantial supply chain costs,\u201d Dai told Fox News.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile California will continue being a critical broccoli production region, a more diversified supply chain that includes the East Coast could create a more resilient supply chain.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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