Over 90% of fresh US broccoli comes from drought-hit California
Research from Cornell University indicates that the US broccoli supply is highly vulnerable to drought conditions in California, which produces 90% of the crop. Experts suggest diversifying production to the East Coast to ensure food security.
Why it matters
It highlights the fragility of the US food supply chain in the face of climate change and regional environmental stressors.
An average person in US eats about 6 to 8.5 pounds of fresh broccoli annually. Nationally, the country produces more than 500,000 tons of the vegetable per year, with California growing roughly 90% of the total crop. Broccoli is the most consumed vegetable in the country and obviously, most loved. However, as per a recent study published in Agribusiness by researchers from Cornell University, the country's supply of broccoli is vulnerable to the risk of drought in California.In the study, the researchers compiled 20 years of shipping records and federal drought data to build a model that analysed 14 potential sources of broccoli, including California, Arizona, Mexico, Canada and 10 eastern states.
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