Unseasonably Warm Weather Boosts Strawberry Production in Santa Maria
In California, the strawberry industry is experiencing a significant boost in production due to unseasonably warm temperatures. According to the Santa Maria Times, these conditions have accelerated crop growth, leading to an early start to the strawberry season. California Giant Berry Farms anticipates a bountiful harvest, with the California Strawberry Commission reporting that growers have picked 27,500 cartons from January to March 2026, compared to 17,000 in the same period in 2025. The Santa Maria district, in particular, has seen a doubling of its yield, with over 10,000 crates harvested so far this year. This surge in production is expected to meet the increasing consumer demand for both conventional and organic strawberries. 
