The agricultural stretch of California’s Central Coast along the Salinas Valley is often called the “Salad Bowl of the World,” and for good reason. It supplies over 60% of the nation’s lettuce and substantial portions of strawberries, spinach and broccoli. But beyond the fertile fields and coastal breezes lies a deeper truth: food security is not just about access to fresh produce — it is fundamentally tied to our economic stability and national security.

In a time of rising geopolitical tension, climate uncertainty, and economic volatility, safeguarding our food systems has never been more urgent. The Central Coast is both a frontline and a linchpin. The region’s $9 billion agriculture sector feeds millions while supporting tens of thousands of jobs, many of which are held by immigrant and essential workers. Yet, this vital infrastructure is under increasing threat from drought, heat waves, labor shortages, shifts in immigration policy, and aging water systems. If these vulnerabilities continue unaddressed, our ability to feed the country could collapse.

Economic security starts in the field. Agriculture underpins rural and regional economies throughout the Central Coast. It supports logistics, research, food processing, tourism and more. Every dollar spent in agriculture reverberates through small businesses, schools, health systems and public infrastructure. However, when farmworkers face housing insecurity, immigration sweeps, wage disparities or unsafe conditions, the broader economy weakens.

Moreover, national security relies on having a stable domestic food supply. Depending on global supply chains — especially during times of conflict, trade disruptions or pandemics — poses a significant risk. If California’s Central Coast cannot produce food at scale, the U.S. will need to import more food, which undermines our economic independence and increases our vulnerability to international instability.

In a state where immigrants are “a cornerstone of California’s workforce and economy,” comprising over 27% of the population, large-scale federal enforcement actions have particularly significant implications, from widespread labor disruptions to ripple effects across local, state and national economies.

Agriculture and construction — industries that disproportionately rely on undocumented labor — could be particularly impacted: Undocumented workers make up 26% of the state’s overall agricultural workforce and 33% of farmworkers.

Without undocumented workers, GDP generated by agriculture would contract by 14%, and production costs would rise. An estimated 7,000 farms could be forced to close, with smaller family-owned operations bearing the brunt.

Immigration actions would resonate across the nation’s food supply: A third of all vegetables and three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are produced in California. Consumers, in turn, would end up paying more for food, with fruit and vegetable prices particularly impacted.

What’s the solution?

• Champion workforce housing and health care for essential agricultural workers.

• Take bold steps to protect workers from fear and the threat of deportation.

• Support federal policy for immigration reform with a pathway to documentation for those already living and working in our communities.

• Modernize water and irrigation infrastructure to make the most of every drop.

• Support regenerative agriculture and climate-smart practices that enhance resilience and promote a healthier environment.

• Finally, forge public-private partnerships between government, growers, educational institutions and community-based organizations to build adaptive capacity and shared prosperity.

Food security must be a bipartisan, cross-sector priority. The Central Coast, with its unparalleled agricultural prowess, can lead the way. Our food security is our future. Protecting the fields of the Central Coast means protecting jobs, families, health and the sovereignty of our food supply.

Tahra Goraya is president & CEO of Monterey Bay Economic Partnership; Norm Groot is executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau.