A representative of California Citrus Mutual (CCM) says packhouses in the state's largest lemon-growing county are operating "business as usual", but the industry is still in a "wait and see" situation with the Thomas Fire still raging.

The organization's director of government affairs, Alyssa Houtby, told Fresh Fruit Portal around 80% of California's lemons are grown in Ventura County, while to the north in Santa Barbara County there is also citrus production.

"We don’t have any specifics as far as anticipated damage. As much as we know right now is we have constructions lost – Limoneira issued a statement to that effect, that they had some farmworker housing lost," she said.

"We’ve heard of some other farm structures. I think we’ll probably see minimal destruction of groves. 

"From what I understand from our packers in the area they’re still operating business as usual. It’s wait and see at this point – the fire is only 30% contained at this point and it seems to be that it’s quickly moving up into Santa Barbara and engulfing a lot of those rural areas in the hills."

She added CCM was working with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to identify different programs growers can utilize.

"And we’re hoping to put together a meeting with FSA and local area growers on Dec. 20 just to review those programs and how they go about applying for them," she said.

Click here for a list of meetings scheduled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for fire recovery assistance. 

While overall damages may have been minimal, for those who have suffered losses the effects can be devastating. CCM's president Joel Nelsen previously mentioned in some cases barns, equipment, farmworker housing and grower homes had been destroyed.

"I think everybody in that area has been affected in one way or another," Houtby added.

Earlier this week California Avocado Commission president Tom Bellamore gave an account of the impacts so far on his sector, which has arguably been the most impacted so far in the fruit sector. He described damages from fire and wind as "heart-wrenching" for the region's farmers.

Western Growers - an organization representing fresh produce growers Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico - also issued a statement on the topic.

"Our hearts go out to the people, communities and businesses affected by these devastating fires, including our farmers and their workers who grow produce in and around the areas ravaged by them," said CEO Tom Nassif.

"Western Growers has reached out to our members to express our concerns and offer our support, particularly in Ventura County.

"Many have suffered losses to housing and crops. Thankfully, to my knowledge, our members have not reported any serious injuries or deaths."

He said while fires had subsided in some areas, the threat remained real for many.

"We will continue to work with our members to assess the damage and offer whatever assistance possible to help them and their workers get through this difficult time," he said.

"In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the emergency responders who are battling to contain the fires and prevent further destruction."

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