Local farmer’s well runs dry – GleanSLO salvages undersized fruit

 

Avocado farmer Rick Saurwein of Casa Milagro has decided to “stump” his drying, drought ravaged trees. Thousands of branches full of ripe, undersized fruit have been cut down. But before the fruit could rot he called GleanSLO to pick what is salvageable and donate it to the Food Bank.

“My family is very active at Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship and see the value that the Food Bank & GleanSLO provides every week at our Saturday food distribution and the Monday meals that are served at the Vet’s Hall.  We’re very grateful for their service to the community and pleased that we can share the fruit we have with those who need it,” said Rick.

Rick Saurwein will not be able to harvest a new crop for three to four years depending on the weather this fall and if the aquifer fills to an adequate level to support the trees.

GleanSLO volunteers harvested more than 5,200 pounds of avocados from Casa Milagro and donated 214 volunteer hours to salvage the fruit.

More coverage on this story:

KSBY News

KCOY News

San Luis Obispo Tribune