January 13th - Update on Flower Farmers in California

Dear Christina   This week's storms and mudslides in California have been devastating.   As first responders continue to search for those missing, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones in the Montecito area.   Since Tuesday's flooding, I have been in touch with a number of our farmers in the Carpinteria Valley. While December's fires threatened our farms, the mudslides have been worse. Highway 192 in Carpinteria Valley. Photo by Hans Brand of B&H Flowers Fortunately, from the reports I've received, all of our farmers, their families and their employees are safe. However, the storm and the mudslides have caused some minor damage to a couple of our 20+ cut flower farms in Carpinteria Valley. The storm has certainly left a mess and our farmers have been out working alongside first responders to move debris with their tractors and heavy equipment.  The biggest impact our farms face is logistics.  Via Real near Gallap & Stribling Orchids and Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria Valley. Our farms worked alongside first responders with their farm equipment to clear debris. Photo By Alex Van Wingerden Highway 101 is closed from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara, making pick up and deliveries extremely difficult. However, farms are able to ship their flowers south to Oxnard for state and national distribution. Right now, state officials are not indicating when Highway 101 will reopen.. Alex Van Wingerden of Westland Floral and Ivan Van Wingerden of Everbloom work together to help clear the debris on roadways after the storm. Photo by Ivan Van Wingerden In the meantime, our farmers are resilient. Flower farming is a seven days a week business and the growing, cutting and shipping to our customers continues. Thank you in advance for your care, concern and continued support for our farms in Carpinteria Valley.   With your continued support, America's "flower basket" will rebound.   Sincerely, Kasey Cronquist, IOM CEO & Ambassador California Cut Flower Commission

Christina Burton-Fox AIFD floral artist & instructor