SoCal Berry Growers to Close Six Farms, Cut 572 Jobs

SoCal Berry Growers informed the Oxnard City Council on Halloween that it will shut down six farms in Ventura County and terminate approximately 572 employees. The company, which grows strawberries for the agricultural giant Driscoll's, plans to complete the closures between Jan. 11 and Jan. 25, 2027. Most of the workers being let go are strawberry pickers.

The decision follows a 60-day notice period required by California law for facilities laying off 50 or more workers. The move highlights the financial strain on the region's strawberry sector. In 2025, Ventura County growers generated $808 million in wholesale revenue for strawberries, yet the industry collectively lost about 1% of that total. Rising costs and stagnant sales have made it difficult for growers to turn a profit.

Louise Lampara, CEO of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, described the current economic situation as a precipice. She told the Ventura County Star that agricultural economics in the county are horrifying, noting that no industry can sustain decreasing returns year after year. While total agricultural revenue in the county reached a record $2.4 billion in 2025, that figure reflects a 19% decline over the past decade when adjusted for inflation.

Roman Pinal, vice president of the United Farm Workers, attributed the closures to the unionization vote held in July. In a statement, Pinal accused SoCal management of shutting down to avoid legal and moral obligations to workers. He claimed the company is violating the law instead of allowing workers to negotiate a fair contract. Pinal said the union will use all legal options to defend its members.

SoCal Berry Growers previously sought to challenge the unionization, alleging misconduct by the United Farm Workers. A state board denied the request and reaffirmed the union's status. Rob Roy, president and general counsel of the Ventura County Agricultural Association, noted that few farms in the county have successfully unionized. He argued that the union has had no substantial impact on the local industry over the last 25 years, citing better legal compliance and improved wages as reasons for the shift away from organized labor.

The six farms scheduled for closure include Casper Ranch, Johansing Ranch, McConica Ranch, Parks Harbor Ranch, McGrath Conservancy Org. Ranch, and Teitelbaum Ranch. SoCal Berry Growers and the United Farm Workers did not respond to requests for comment by the California Post.