News and Stories

A wildfire that began Friday, July 22 north of Big Sur, California near Soberanes Creek and Garrapata State Park has burned more than 19,000 acres and remains only 10% contained. Residents living near the fire have been evacuated to Carmel Middle School; 20 homes and 2 outbuildings have been destroyed, with another 1,650 homes threatened. The steep, mountainous terrain is a challenge for the more than 2,000 firefighters battling the blaze. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, but variable winds sending smoke in several directions may have implications for Salinas Valley agriculture:

• Many items including broccoli, cauliflower, commodity lettuces and tender leaf, strawberries, and lightly processed value-added items (Washed & Trimmed) may exhibit ash and will require additional rinsing at the end-user level
• Ash deposited by wildfires is non-toxic and not considered a food safety hazard
• Coastal temperatures remain at seasonal norms (in the mid-60s to mid-70s), but inland temperatures are climbing into the mid-90s and higher
• Salinas Valley air quality is currently classified as “Good”, but could decline into a “Moderate” or “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category
• Harvesting could be curtailed if conditions become a health hazard for harvesting crews and other agricultural labor

 Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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