Layoffs In The Berry Patch

February 6,2016-

Some strawberry fields are not forever.

El Dorado Berry Farms, LLC – a family owned and operated farming company which has grown its own strawberries and raspberries in California for more than eight years – permanently closed down its operations in Santa Maria and Los Alamos “due to economic reasons.” says a news release.Owner Humberto Candelario says their Santa Barbara County berry operations were located on leased ranches and farmed with partner Reiter Affiliated Companies. They grow berries for Driscoll.“Recently, notices were sent under the WARN Act which indicated 653 individuals were laid off from our farming operation.  For clarity, Sixteen percent of those were to individuals laid off in November and December 2015, while the remaining
84% were employees who were laid off or who resigned at some earlier time during 2015, as part of the normal seasonal cycles.”Candelario says weather played a role in the downturn in the Santa Maria area this past year.

“El Dorado deeply regrets that the rising cost of resources has created a financial
situation in which it must close its Santa Barbara County operations. Going forward, El Dorado will focus efforts on its berry operations at its permanent locations in Ventura County.”

Meanwhile a second Santa Maria company –  Superior Farming LLC – also a partner with Reiter Affiliated Co of Oxnard has filed a state mandated layoff notice as well with the loss of 225 jobs by March 1.