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Local | National | Seasonal | Organic
The National Produce Report focuses on key items that are active in the marketplace. Check back often as the reports change frequently to provide you
with the most up to date information.
As we approach the New Year adverse growing conditions throughout the west this fall have significantly impacted yields and quality as growers reach for product to meet demand. Near term forecasts show another series of cold, dry storm systems set to impact the western growing regions once again curtailing growth rates and production.
With cool temperatures forecast for the near term, overall supplies will remain light into January. Lighter carton weights, irregular solidity along with freeze damage (blister, epidermal peel, discoloration) and lesser overall texture are prevalent throughout the region as growers enter these fields ahead of schedule. Strong winds once again expected throughout this week may add a little dust to the product along with wind and fringe burn especially in leaf and lettuce stands. Processors will likely be on the hunt for product following the Holiday to fill their quota further lessening available product as we roll into January. As growers enter these young, tender lettuce stands ahead of schedule (before optimum maturity) you can expect to see lesser overall texture and an increase in mechanical damage and oxidation, causing discoloration (pinking or pink rib). Broccoli and cauliflower supplies are in a similar situation due to cooler temperatures drastically slowing growth rates and multiple freezes that hammered the fields. This may continue for some time as demand increases and growers wait for warmer temperatures to help overall growth rates in the fields.
In Southern California rain, winds and cold temperatures continue to impact strawberry production in the Oxnard area. These growers have battled variable adverse growing conditions all season severely curtailing supplies from this region. Production from Mexico and Florida will continue to increase as harvests gain momentum.
On a brighter note long range forecasts expect a warming trend to begin in late December with frost free mornings and above average temperatures into early January. This will be a welcome relief however blister and epidermal peel look to remain a major problem in lettuce and leaf supplies moving forward.
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you up to date as we gather the information.
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