Plummeting Stocks Set To Trigger Salmon Fishing Ban In California
Image Source: Steve Martarano/US Fish and Wildlife Service
The Pacific Fishery Management Council, a federal commission that oversees West Coast fisheries, has recommended that Chinook salmon fishing off the California coast be called off until 2024. The ban would halt both commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the state and much of the neighboring Oregon coast. The reason? Chinook salmon have become increasingly endangered due to drought, heat waves, and agriculture. To take effect, the National Marine Fisheries Service must approve the ban by May 16.
More Supply Chain News
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California Floods Jeopardize Summer Strawberry Harvest
Image Source: California Strawberry Commission
Most US-grown strawberries come from California, and about a third of the state’s strawberry acreage is in the Watsonville and Salinas areas, according to the California Strawberry Commission. This winter, that area has been battered by 11 atmospheric rivers and storms, causing about $324 million is agricultural losses. In mid-March another storm broke a local levee, drowning over 1,000 acres of prime strawberry fields, and forcing the evacuation of more than 8,000 people from the Latino farmworker community. Soren Bjorn, president of leading strawberry brand Driscoll’s, said the potential impact is significant. Strawberry shortcake, beware.
Shoppers Face Fresh Price Hikes As Stores And Suppliers Pass On Costs
Image Source: Reuters/Paul Childs
By the end of 2022, the US food index had risen 10.4%. Analysts predict food prices will continue to rise for at least the first half of 2023. According to research firm Kantar, British consumers have already paid a record 16.7% more for food in the first month of 2023 compared to the same time last year. The CEO of Nestle, which owns more than 2,000 food brands from Cheerios to Häagen-Dazs, said the company would have to raise prices again in 2023 to offset increasing production costs. Food giant Unilever is also expected to raise prices. Tighten your belts. Inflation isn't over yet.
US Egg Prices Rise 60% In A Year
Image Source: AP Photo/Erin Hooley
As demand for eggs has risen, US production has slumped. According to the USDA, nearly 58 million birds have been slaughtered due to the ongoing bird or "avian" flu epidemic, making it the deadliest outbreak in US history. You know the laws of supply and demand: the result is that US egg prices have more than doubled, increasing 60% from last year. Across US cities, the average price of a dozen eggs was $4.25 in December, putting pressure on professional and home cooks, especially during holiday baking season.
Feeding America Overtakes United Way As Largest US Charity
Image Source: Courtesy of Feeding America
The pandemic era has been defined by food supply chain disruptions, upending everything from farms and slaughterhouses to supermarkets and restaurants. As a result, Feeding America, a food bank network, has claimed the #1 spot on Forbes’ 2022 list of America's Top 100 Charities. United Way, another charity network, held the #1 spot off and on for decades, but the pandemic's acute effects on the food world have refocused charitable giving on providing food for the hungry. I don't know about you, but this little factoid gives me hope.
