"Some areas were just inundated," which had the effect of decreasing vegetable supply, Tronstad said. Overall, the state accounts for nearly half of U.S. vegetable production, according to California Polytechnic State University. George Rose/Getty ImagesBut weather — and its negative impact on crop supply — isn't the only contributor to higher prices for frozen vegetables. The higher prices give farmers a "strong incentive" to plant these commodity products over others (like vegetables), a dynamic that could decrease vegetable supply, Bodor said. Labor supply pressured by reduced Mexican migrationLong-term immigration trends are also serving to put upward pressure on labor costs for farmers, economists said.

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Persons: Tayfun, Tronstad, Pam Knox, George Rose, Alison Bodor, Bodor, Trey Malone, Zach Rutledge, Rutledge, Russell Tronstad Organizations: Anadolu Agency, Getty, State, Central Valley . Citizen, Getty Images, California Department of Food, Agriculture, California Polytechnic State University, University of Georgia, Food, Growers, University of Arkansas, Labor, Michigan State University, University of Arizona U.S, Agricultural Workers Survey, University of California Locations: Lompoc , California, Sierra Nevada, Central Valley ., Getty Images California, brussels, U.S, Ukraine, Sacramento, San Joaquin Rivers, Rio Vista , California, Mexico, Davis