The flip side to crazy freight rates is that Northeast customers may look more to Jersey Fresh produce this summer and fall rather than pay for a truck to come from the West, said New Jersey produce professionals.
That’s why the 2021 marketing theme for the state’s produce is “Stay Loyal to Local,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher at Eastern Produce Council’s annual barbecue event sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture May 25 at Demarest Farm, Hillsdale, N.J.
Crop quality and volume has been excellent so far in New Jersey, said John Banscher, president of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, as he gave an update on the season’s start.
“The only downside is price. Prices are low. Greens farmers are chopping them up because there’s no dollar value. A crate of romaine is going for $6 or $3,” he told the crowd of more than 125 people gathered to enjoy barbecue pork and chicken, as well as Jersey Fresh asparagus, spinach and romaine, outside under a tent. “It’s a shame because romaine is looking excellent.”
Banscher urged produce buyers to offer a decent price.
The stone fruit crop has thrived in good chill hours this winter, and this drier spring was preferred to an overly wet one, said Lewis DeEugenio of Summit City Farms and president of the Jersey Fruit Cooperative.
“It’s a lot easier to add water than to take it away,” he said.
Peaches and nectarines should start shipping the last week of June or early July through mid-September, he said, emphasizing the need to buy local as well.
“We’d like to keep the ‘garden’ in the Garden State,” DeEugenio said of the state’s moniker.
Andi Eklund, the university-bound daughter of EPC member Bruce Eklund of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Agricultural Statistics Services in New Jersey, won the 2021 James & Theresa Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship of $5,000.
Susan McAleavey Sarlund, EPC executive director, also announced two outgoing council board officers and two incoming board officers for the 2021-2022 term.
Next on the event calendar is the 46th annual golf event June 12 at Fox Hollow Golf Club, Branchburg, N.J.
For more information, visit easternproducecouncil.com, call 908-723-0645, or email info@easternproducecouncil.com.
