Six strawberry farms plan to close in Ventura County, potentially affecting 572 farmworkers

Six strawberry farms in Ventura County plan to close in January, potentially affecting about 572 farmworker jobs, according to SoCal Berry Growers. Growers cite rising costs for fertilizer, fuel and labor, along with crop diseases and labor challenges. Farmer Uriel Hernandez said he has cut his operation by up to 40% and shifted some land from strawberries to vegetables as he weighs whether to remain in agriculture.