Six SoCal Berry Growers Strawberry Farms Close in January

Some news outlets highlight the workers joining the United Farm Workers early this year as the cause for the closures.  However, other sources list all the increased costs of harvesting "‘Water quadrupled. Labor nearly doubled’ in California including

• Water costs
• Labor costs and obligations (reflective of workers joining UFW earlier this year)
  and compliance with government regulations

The farms affected, owned by SoCal Strawberry Growers, are Workers at a Major Driscoll's Grower Voted to Unionize. Then It Announced Plans to Close 6 Farms

• Casper Ranch
• Johansing Ranch - Olivas Park Drive,Ventura 
• McConica Ranch - 5511 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
• Parks Harbor Ranch - 5702 W. Gonzales Road, Oxnard
• McGrath Conservancy Org. Ranch - 5100 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
  not the same location as you-pick in Camarillo 1012 Ventura Boulevard 

572 total, including 459 harvesters, workers will be laid off in January.

United Farm Worker Vice President Roman Pinal said

“Instead of giving the workers a chance to negotiate a fair contract, SoCal management is now saying it will shut down, in what we believe is a clear violation of the law to avoid their legal and moral obligations to the workers who pick the strawberries.....The UFW is familiar with these tactics and will utilize all legal options to defend our members’ rights.”

The $2.4 Billion Crisis — Economics of the Acre

California law requires a public notice for layoffs in excess of 50 people.  So Cal Strawberry Growers chose the Ventura County Star to notify the Ventura City Council on 10/31/26.  Grower plans to close 6 recently unionized farms in Ventura, Oxnard

Separate from the issues concerning workers joining the labor union in July and now they are facing closure of farms and subsequently loss of employment; Driscoll has recently met contention from consumers for their use of pesticides and cornering the market by use of patents.

The Truth About Driscoll’s Strawberries in 2026 - Non-Toxic Dad

Driscoll’s loses US strawberry patent suit | News | Fruitnet

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