Major Berry Producer Shuts Down Operations in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A major agriculture employer, with locations throughout Ventura County, is closing down operations.

SoCal Berry Growers, an exclusive berry supplier for the Driscoll's brand, made the sudden announcement days ago that they would be shutting down operations at six locations – four in Ventura and two in Oxnard.

Industry experts cite surging prices for diesel, water and fertilizer have triggered a severe economic crisis for local strawberry growers

Oxnard city councilmember, Bert Perello, received a letter from a company shareholder stating the AG employees will be out of a job starting January 11th.

SoCal Berry has nearly 600 employees, the majority are listed as "harvester." Lower level positions are not available.

SoCal Berry Growers' employees unionized in July under the United Farm Workers.

Your News Channel reached out to SoCal Berry for comment but has not heard back.

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