Arizona marks leafy greens month in November

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has proclaimed November 2022 as Arizona Leafy Greens month, acknowledging the industry’s abundant production in the state.

November also marks the beginning of the lettuce and leafy greens harvest in the state, which considers itself the winter lettuce capital of the U.S., providing lettuce and leafy greens from November to March, according to a news release.

During the 10 years of the annual observance, Arizona farmers have produced more than 90 billion servings of lettuce, the release said. The state’s farmers grow about 25% of the annual U.S. lettuce supply, according to USDA statistics.

Arizona’s leafy greens farming community creates a $2 billion economic impact annually, while also protecting public health by participating in the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement food safety program, according to the release.

The November celebration will include social media activities. Food influencers Kristen Carlie, of Camelback Nutrition and Megan Crivelli (The Produce Nerd) will spread the world about Arizona’s contributions to the food supply, the release said. Farmer influencer Jon Dinsmore will take over Arizona LGMA’s social feeds to showcase the farming aspect of the state’s leafy greens, and Ramiro Ruiz Jr. (@Ram628) will share his perspective as a harvest machinery mechanic.

Arizona LGMA and Yuma Safe Produce Council are also sponsoring contests and giveaways on Instagram and Facebook, according to the release.