A Severe drought is crushing California tomato crops and shortages are coming - fast.
Soup season is upon us, but one of the main ingredients for soups, chilis and stews may be in short supply: canned tomatoes.
We've been hearing for a few months now that a historic drought in California is impacting farmers' tomato crop yields this year and unfortunately, it doesn't look like the drought is going to end anytime soon.
The California League of Food Producers references a recent Reuters story that reports California's current drought actually started in 2020.
Another news story published on today.com says that the drought is the worst the Golden State has seen in more than 1,200 years.
Just how bad is the drought in California? Drought.gov, a website managed by the National Integrated Drought Information System, reports that 99.8% of the entirety of California is suffering from moderate drought, while 91.8% of the state is in severe drought; 40.9% of the state is in extreme drought; and 16.6% of the state is in exceptional drought, hitting its agricultural belt hard.
In addition to the impact tomato crop shortages may have in fresh produce displays at grocery stores, the shortages will likely impact other household staples like canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.
"Ninety-five percent of the processed tomato products consumed in the United States comes right here from California's Central Valley," Mike Montna, president and CEO of the California Tomato Growers Association, told CNN.
"Mainly the tomatoes from the growers that I represent go to your ketchups, pizza sauces, your retail sauces that you see at the supermarket."
Those of you who rely on canned tomato products,, whether it be whole, crushed, diced, Puree or Sauce, had best stock up now, while you can.
