Farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses can expect to suffer major losses related to the pandemic according to an economic study released on Tuesday, with a record $2 billion already accrued in losses. The study was produced by Davis-based ERA Economics and commissioned by a conglomerate of agricultural organizations.

The study shows the greatest losses will be felt by the dairy, grapes, and flower industries. It also said farms and ranches have incurred higher operating costs to ensure employee safety when moving crops and commodities to market.

“California farmers, ranchers and their employees have continued the essential work needed to keep American families fed, but that work has come with sacrifice,” California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson said. “The impact is being felt in rural communities throughout the state that rely on agriculture for their residents’ livelihoods. We want legislators and regulators to bear that in mind and avoid making farming even more costly and difficult in California.”

The full report, titled Economic Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on California Agriculture, may be found at here.