Squash

Why Western Mexico Remains Essential for Winter Produce in the U.S.

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:30:17 GMT

While the U.S. is a powerhouse of produce production, it still takes the power of imports to keep U.S. consumers supplied with fresh fruit and vegetables year-round.

Mexico is a key player in that supply chain. Much of its production, especially what is needed to supply the U.S. during the winter, comes from the country’s western states. These include everything from border states like Baja California and Sonora down to Jalisco and Michoacán in the southern end of the country.

“Western Mexico benefits from mild, stable winter weather, which allows growers to produce vegetables during the same months when U.S. and Canadian domestic production drops off,” explains Clarisa Batiz, senior vegetable category manager at Divine Flavor.

“That seasonal complement makes the region a critical piece of the year-round supply chain,” she adds. “When northern production slows during the winter, western Mexico steps in to supply peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and other key commodities, ensuring U.S. retailers can keep shelves stocked consistently.”

Luis Obregon, president of Nogales, Ariz.-based produce sourcing and distribution company IPR Fresh, adds that the “experienced grower base and strong infrastructure make it one of the most dependable winter vegetable regions in North America.” He calls western Mexico key to his company’s ability to supply a wide variety of vegetables, but especially bell peppers and European cucumbers, to U.S. consumers year-round.

“Its proximity to the U.S. is a major advantage; shorter transit times mean fresher product and more reliable arrivals,” Obregon says.

Challenges and Opportunities: Water, Labor and Climate

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. also means it has been experiencing some of the same challenges that also trouble U.S. produce growers in western states: water and labor shortages.

“The available labor pool is shrinking each year, and the cost of labor continues to rise sharply. Recruiting and retaining farm labor has become increasingly difficult,” Batiz reports.

The water scarcity in some western Mexican states is also getting extreme, she adds.

“Regions like Sonora and Sinaloa have seen significant water stress,” Batiz says. “Some reservoirs are reportedly operating at only 20% to 30% capacity, forcing growers to reduce planted hectares and rethink irrigation strategies.”

While the more northwestern Mexican states have been having chronic issues with too little water, some of the more southwestern states have had the opposite experience this year. For example, the 2025 Pacific hurricane season was more active than usual, bringing more rain to some parts of western Mexico during summer and fall.

The added rain has benefited Mexico’s key avocados-for-export region, says Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution at Avocados From Mexico. She reports that the current supply of avocados for export to the U.S. is not only abundant, but trending toward larger sizes. This is in contrast to the generally shrinking avocado sizes seen industrywide .

“When there’s a lot of good water supply, the trees can size up the fruit,” she explains. “This year we’ve had some really good climate that’s enabled the trees to size up on fruit, and it’s nice large sizes; very promotable sizes.”

While the added rain is helping avocado growers this year, Obregon cites ongoing climate variability, along with labor tightness in Mexico and the strong peso, as putting pressure on western Mexico growers and importers of their produce.

“In addition, ongoing efforts by certain U.S. groups to limit imports, along with the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs, continue to create instability,” he says.

“Production out of Sonora and Sinaloa is coming along well, with healthy plants and good quality across peppers, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers,” says Clarisa Batiz, senior vegetable category manager at Divine Flavor.

(Photo courtesy of Divine Flavor)

Continued Work on Tech, Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Both Obregon and Batiz say the challenges the region faces will continue into the future and will demand growers adapt and make ongoing efficiency improvements. This is something Obregon says is already underway.

“Growers in western Mexico continue to improve through more efficient drip irrigation, expanded protected agriculture and better postharvest cooling practices,” he says. “At IPR Fresh, we’re focused on strengthening cold-chain performance and partnering with growers who invest in technology and sustainability. Looking ahead, we expect continued progress in precision agriculture, resource efficiency and protected growing systems.”

Batiz says that Divine Flavor expects “continued progress in greater energy efficiency, smarter water use and deeper integration of social responsibility throughout our operations.”

She says operating at a large scale, yet keeping consistent sustainability practices across all growers, is one of Divine Flavor’s strengths, with reducing its overall carbon footprint throughout the supply chain being a central focus. Taking care of its people is another.

“We put a lot of effort into responsible recruitment practices, safe working conditions and programs that support workers’ well-being. For us, retaining our workforce and having employees who want to return season after season is one of the most meaningful indicators that we’re on the right path,” she says. “These elements will be essential for building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.”

Western Mexico Makes Football Guac Possible

When it comes to essentials, western Mexico — particularly Michoacán, all but makes winter avocados in the U.S. possible.

“Michoacán represents about 90% of the exports that come to the U.S.” Bazan says.

In 2023, almost 92% of the fresh avocados available in the U.S. were imported, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. The majority of those imports come from Mexico to the point that Bazan describes imports from Mexico as dominating the U.S. avocado market. That is especially true during what she calls the fall/winter ramp-up to football season in the U.S., culminating in the Super Bowl.

“When the Super Bowl comes around, we’re looking at a minimum 250-million-pound opportunity,” she explains. “This is pretty much our superstar time period of the year.”

Bazan adds that a typical Super Bowl week will see roughly 32% more avocados delivered than a normal average week. She puts that into perspective as a truck full of avocados leaving Mexico every six minutes in the lead-up to the Super Bowl to keep up with U.S. demand.

“And Michoacán is the only state that can provide the avocados that meet the demand for the fruit here in the United States,” she says.

“Because October, November and December is so critical in the U.S. because of the consumption that happens in this time period, primarily as we get into college football season and the huge association between guacamole and football, it is critical [to have an] abundant supply,” Bazan explains.

Fortunately, it looks like that will happen this year.

“This year is looking like it could be a record year for us,” Bazan says. “We’ve had some strong weeks in terms of harvest and supply, and the market is very promotable right now.”

State of Winter Crops

Bazan isn’t the only one expecting good things out of western Mexico during this winter season. Batiz reports that crop conditions look strong and that Divine Flavor is expecting a solid season for both volume and quality.

“Production out of Sonora and Sinaloa is coming along well, with healthy plants and good quality across peppers, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers,” she says.

While the 2024-2025 period was difficult for many farmers due to extremely low market prices, Divine Flavor is focused on ensuring it covers its program business securely and avoids overproduction, Batiz says. The company is reducing speculative planting and aiming for a more targeted, disciplined approach to match supply more precisely with demand.

Obregon similarly reports a solid start to the season with good quality and yields on IPR Fresh’ bell peppers and European cucumbers.

“With our year-round program firmly in place, we expect steady and dependable volumes for the U.S. market throughout the winter and beyond, assuming weather conditions remain cooperative,” he says.

Sprouts Debuts Certified Regenerative Squash

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:01:52 GMT

Sprouts Farmers Market is now offering certified regenerative squash from Kreher Family Farms, a fourth-generation family farm rooted in western New York.

The farm’s high-quality winter squash varieties are Certified Regenerative by A Greener World and available this fall at Sprouts locations throughout the Southeast, according to a news release.

As public interest in sustainability continues to increase and broaden in scope, the demand for rigorous, meaningful assurances of responsible farming practices has grown. According to recent research from the Hartman Group, 91% of consumers say it is important for companies to consider environmental impact in their business decisions. A Greener World says its Certified Regenerative label provides an assurance of regeneration and sustainability, measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, animal welfare and social responsibility.

Mike Kreher, one of the family owners of Kreher Family Farms, grows Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash, corn, soybeans, table beets, triticale, peas and cover crops (oats, buckwheat and clover) on their farm in Clarence, N.Y. Kreher Family Farms took part in AGW’s regenerative certification pilot program and was the first farm in New York to become Certified Regenerative by AGW for crop production, the company says. Also certified organic, the farm uses environmentally centered practices including crop rotation and cover crops to build soil fertility, along with measuring and tracking their soil health improvements.

This fall, Sprouts is offering Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash from Kreher Family Farms in 85 stores across the Southeast, demonstrating a commitment to both positive on-farm impacts and transparency in food labeling, the company says. For Kreher Family Farms, it’s a tangible way to bring the farming principles it practices in the field onto the plates of families beyond their local community. Kreher Family Farms says it values its certification as a guarantee to customers that its regenerative practices meet the highest standards for sustainability.

“Squash is a simple, wholesome food people know and enjoy — and it’s a crop that fits beautifully in a regenerative system,” Kreher says. “Its deep root structure helps improve soil health by accessing nutrients deeper in the soil profile. For shoppers looking for nutritious food that has a positive impact, we’re proud to offer Certified Regenerative by AGW squash through our partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market.

“Regenerative farming isn’t something you switch on overnight,” Kreher adds. “It’s about trying practices that make sense for your farm and sticking with them until you see the results. That’s why it means a lot to partner with Sprouts Farmers Market and A Greener World, since their care for the environment lines up with our family farm’s values we use to guide us every day.”

“People understand the connection between sustainable, regenerative farming and good food,” says Emily Moose, executive director of A Greener World. “They’re hungry for more information about sustainability and appreciate being able to choose foods that have a positive impact. As an independent certifier, we’re proud to be a trusted source for information that makes those choices easier and more informed — and grateful to our farm and retail partners like Kreher Family Farms and Sprouts for making them possible.”

Certified Regenerative by AGW winter squash from Kreher Family Farms is available seasonally at Sprouts stores throughout the Southeast.

What Keeps N.Y. Growers and Retailers in an Empire State of Mind

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:03:45 GMT

New York state is home to diverse agricultural regions and climates, from the Finger Lakes to the Hudson Valley to upstate New York, each with its own microclimate and crops grown.

According to 2022 data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, fruit, berries and tree nuts contributed about $721 million and vegetables, melons and potatoes contributed $500 million to the state’s economy.

And for growers and marketers, it’s no wonder that New York earned the nickname, The Empire State.

Why New York?

“New York state is a prime place to grow produce because of the excellent and diverse soils, a climate that is regulated by the Great Lakes, vast flat plain-like farmland in the western part of the state, access to fresh water and proximity to market,” says Shannon Kyle, sales and marketing manager at Elba, N.Y.-based Torrey Farms Inc. “We can reach over 70% of this country’s population in six to eight hours by truck.”

Kyle says her family farm, which grows cabbage, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, pumpkins, winter and summer squash, and green beans, distributes its produce along the Eastern Seaboard and into Ohio and the St. Louis, Mo., area thanks to its location between Rochester and Buffalo.

“As weather plays a factor in other parts of the country, that can often create movement into other market areas as well,” she says. “We work with various retailers, wholesalers, food service distributors, and processors for all of our items.”

Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the New York Apple Association, says Mother Nature also helps create magic for the country’s No. 2 apple producer.

“The warm summer days and cool fall nights make New York state a perfect place to grow apples,” she says. “New York state has an ample water supply, stemming from the lakes, ponds and irrigation. New York is popular for growing apples with superior flavor and grows a little more than 30 apple varieties in promotional volumes.”

Haskins also says New York’s proximity to a large swath of the country helps its more than 500 family-owned orchards reach more retail partners across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the New York Apple Association, says the state’s proximity helps its more than 500 family-owned orchards reach more retail partners across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. “Helping our retail partners source closer to where food is grown lowers freight costs and time and reduces their carbon footprint,” she says.

(Photo courtesy of the New York Apple Association)

“Helping our retail partners source closer to where food is grown lowers freight costs and time and reduces their carbon footprint,” she says. “New York apple growers are relatively close to many major cities in the U.S. and can deliver apples within 24 to 48 hours to these large markets; that’s a big sustainability selling point for Northeastern and mid-Atlantic markets.”

Marc Goldman, director of produce and floral for Bronx, N.Y.-based Morton Williams Supermarket, says he tries to highlight as much locally grown produce as he can, adding that locally grown can mean different things to different shoppers. And being in New York City, he’s always challenged with highlighting New York produce in a small footprint.

But, during apple season, Goldman says Lil’ Chief 2-pound bags with small, kid-friendly apples do well. The bags, he says, feature New York apple orchards on the back of the bag.

“The whole concept of it promotes New York state on the back of the bag,” he says. “It shows the farms, and I think it’s a really good way to sell the New York state apples.”

Season Outlook

Kyle says she’s “hesitantly optimistic” about the current growing season.

“At this point in the season, we expect to have some high-quality crops coming in as we get closer to harvest, but the market conditions all winter have me a little cautious about where pricing and movement will shake out,” she says. “As we all know in marketing it is all about supply and demand, and every year we experience peaks and valleys of supply depending on what is happening in our neighboring states who grow many of the same items as we do.”

Kyle says this competition from crops grown in Canada and Mexico can make it tough for New York growers, as Mexico has year-round supplies and Canada grows the same crops her family does.

“There is a lot more anxiety around the unknown of what the market conditions on our items will be, as highly perishable items often fluctuate significantly from day to day,” she says. “As we shipped our storage crops (onions and potatoes) this winter, the market was very flat, and I just hope that does not carry into the summer deal.”

Growers have become more concerned about the increase in the cost of farming in the state, Kyle says, noting that H-2A labor costs growers in the state around $18.83 an hour, plus overtime.

“The days of just planting a crop or some extra acres because you had the extra seed are over,” she says. “There is simply too much investment put into every acre we put in the ground, so I would say we have had to exhibit a lot more self-control and better planning to try to have a balanced level of supply for the demand that we know we can traditionally expect, with the obvious exception of the wild card of what Mother Nature will do.”

As for this season, Kyle says production in western New York is early with crops like cabbage thanks to cool temperatures and good rainfall in May. Heat-friendly crops such as cucumbers, squash and beans are a little behind schedule this year.

“I think in the eastern and southern parts of the state, the conditions have been even more challenging than what we have experienced in the western area, where the majority of our farmland is between Buffalo and Rochester,” she says.

Kyle says Torrey Farms planned to start harvesting cabbage at the end of June, which is early. She says her family looks to harvest green beans, zucchini and yellow squash around July 10, cucumbers around July 18 and onions around July 15.

“The cool wet May that we had was prime cabbage weather,” Kyle says.

Haskins says that despite the rainfall in spring and then warmer temperatures, this year’s apple crop looks good.

“Apple harvest will begin in mid-to-late August and continue through the first week of November,” she says.

Haskins says the New York Apple Association will partner with retailers for promotions this year, including display totes, polybags, pouches and bulk displays. She says geotargeting digital advertising as well as targeted social media to help promote New York-grown apples.

“Team NYAA is working closely with retailers in customizing the right mix of promotional offerings to drive sales and get New York apples front and center of consumers,” Haskins says.

The Fresh Factor: 5 ways zucchini will surprise you

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 19:08:25 GMT

Don’t underestimate the humble zucchini. A summer staple of gardeners, the slim, soft skinned squash is versatile, low-maintenance and comes to life with a little thoughtfulness and flavoring in the sauté pan.

For the August entry of The Fresh Factor series, The Packer and Healthy Family Project have teamed up to share some of our favorite facts and tips about zucchini and why hungry shoppers should give this produce underdog a moment in the limelight.

Before you assume you’ve got zucchini all figured out, here are five facts about the verdant green summer squash that might surprise you.

1. Zucchini has many cousins: Zucchini is just one popular variety of soft skinned summer squash. Not only is zucchini interchangeable with its non-identical twin, yellow squash, but there’s the Mexican Chayote squash, both round and stripped zucchinis, not to mention the UFO-shaped patty pans that come in green and buttery yellow speckles. The common denominator? All varieties sport a tender skin and white-seeded interior.

2. Keep cooking for rich flavor: Zucchini does just fine with a little bit of butter, Parmesan and summer herbs like basil or parsley, but if you’ve got the time, it’s worth giving your slow-cooked zucchini coins a little extra love.

“With tender young squash, the simplest preparations are sufficient. Don’t be afraid to really cook the summer squash,” writes Deborah Madison in the seminal cookbook, “Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone.” “Brief cooking preserves its texture, but longer cooking brings out much more of its good squash flavor.”

3. Potassium-rich powerhouse: Zucchini is a good source of potassium, not to mention rich in fiber and vitamins A and C. Read more about the health benefits of zucchini on Healthy Family Project.

4. Bigger isn’t always better: While zucchinis can grow as big as their hefty, winter squash pumpkin cousins if left unattended, if you want to enjoy your squash as a culinary treat and not a front porch statement piece, opt for a slender zucchini, around 1 pound. The larger the zucchini lends itself to a tougher, more fibrous texture and tougher skin — decidedly not delicious.

5. Don’t skip the squash blossoms! If you believe the green zucchini is all the plant has to offer, think again! Delicate and lacy, squash blossoms are sought after at farmers markets and restaurants across the U.S. If you spot a squash blossom for sale, it’s worth tucking in your cart to cook for a special treat.

One unsurprising fact about this cheery green veggie is that, like bananas, zucchini is a great addition to sweet quick breads. If you want to try your hand at this classic, home bakers can’t go wrong with Alison Roman’s take on zucchini bread.

“A quintessential quick bread, zucchini bread blurs the line between breakfast and cake, making it acceptable for both,” Roman wrote in her popular New York Times recipe. “This version is on the sweeter side, the vegetal flavors mellowed by brown sugar, cinnamon and a bit of browned butter. While not always necessary, squeezing excess water from the zucchini will prevent the batter from being too wet while keeping the end result moist.”

More from the Fresh Factor

What is your favorite way to enjoy zucchini? Share it with one of The Fresh Factor’s social media posts or drop us a line at news@thepacker.com.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Packer (@packernews)

Next month, The Fresh Factor is going to put a spotlight on mushrooms. Check out other fresh produce highlights from the series such as watermelon, beets, asparagus and kale.

SunFed expects growth in Mexican Produce, despite challenges

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:46:55 GMT

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based SunFed expects to move slightly more Mexican produce in 2024 compared with last year, despite weather challenges early in the year.

SunFed has partnered with Mexican growers for a year-round supply of various items, mainly squash, cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and melons, according to Matt Mandel, vice president of finance and legal for SunFed.

“Due to weather challenges, the first third of 2024 will be significantly lower volume than 2023 though our production budget was set for a 5% to 8% growth year over year,” Mandel said.

Overall, Mandel expects SunFed will grow its Mexican produce supply from 1% to 5% in 2024, compared with 2023.

Some production-level issues that are influencing Mexican produce volume include labor and water availability, Mandel said.

“Labor and water continue to depress most growth plans in northwest Mexico and uncertainty regarding the Tomato Suspension Agreement will likely lead to fewer tomatoes planted,” he said, though he noted tomato acreage projections are speculative at this point.

Over the next several years, Mandel said the industry may see a greater percentage of Mexican produce shipments through South Texas.

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of June 1

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:40 GMT

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = May 16; 2nd no. = May 23; 3rd no. = May 30. Expected movement is for June 21 to July 4. F.o.b. prices are as of June 1.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (19-17-16) — Movement expected about the same. Supply 12-18s fairly light. Trading 12-18s active, 24-36s moderate. Prices 12-18s higher, 24s slightly lower, 30-36s generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s mostly 18.55-18.75, 18s mostly 17.05-18.75, 24s mostly 14.75-16.65, 30s mostly 12.65-14.75, 36s 12.65-14.65; ORGANIC 12s 26.55, 18-24s 22.55, 30s 20.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA Imports (18-33-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same this week, decrease next week. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Large Much Lower, Standard and Jumbo Lower, Extra Large and Small Slightly Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 15.75-16.75, xlge mostly 15.75, lge mostly 14.75-16.75, std mostly 15.75-16.75, sml mostly 10.00-13.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (2-15-22) — Movement expected about the same. Trading opened active, closed fairly active. Prices Lower. Pyramid cartons 28 pound bunched Green large and std size mostly 48.00-52.95, 11 pound cartons bunched large and std size mostly 19.75-21.75. Quality good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (23-18-19) — Expected to remain the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large 16.75-17.75. Extra services included.
WALLA WALLA DISTRICT AND LOWER YAKIMA VALLEY WASHINGTON — Shipments (17-9-8) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most handlers have finished marketing the crop. Washington Extra Fancy 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates bunched large and standard supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched large and standard supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Light — Shipments expected to continue thru June 12. LAST REPORT

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (122-113-83) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Available supply fairly light. Trading early active, late very active. Prices much higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 14.35-15.65, 18s mostly 14.85-16.15; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 16.35-18.85, Short Trim mostly 17.45-19.85. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s mostly 30.55-32.95; 20-pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 32.55-34.50. Quality variable. Most present shipments from previous commitments and/or prior bookings.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (66-64-79) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late very active. Prices much higher. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim 13.50-14.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (53-44-38) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late very active. Prices much higher. Cartons bunched 14s 14.00-15.85, 18s mostly 14.50-16.35; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 15.85-17.75, Short Trim mostly 17.85-20.85. ORGANIC Cartons bunched 14s 30.00-34.50. Quality generally good.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (173-185-231) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 50 pound jumbo slightly lower, others generally unchanged. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.30-15.40; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 12.65-16.40; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 6.65-8.20; cartons 30 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-20.70. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (59-72-68) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices Lower. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo mostly 9.50-10.00. Quality variable.

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (100-86-83) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Supply fairly light. Trading early active, late fairly active. Prices 9-12s slightly higher, 16s generally unchanged. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 15.35-17.65, 9s mostly 14.45-16.50, 16s mostly 13.55-15.65; ORGANIC 12s mostly 22.50-24.55, 9s mostly 22.00-22.55, 16s mostly 22.50-22.55. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (41-35-36) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 12.85-16.85, 9s and 16s 11.00-13.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (256-272-220) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading moderate. Prices slightly lower. Cartons 2-3 dozen mostly 9.45-11.55; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 13.65-15.55. ORGANIC cartons 2-2 1/2 dozen 32.56-32.85; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 21.56-22.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (62-60-54) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons 2 dozen 8.00-9.85, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 8.85-9.85, 3 dozen mostly 8.00-9.00. Quality generally good.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (2-3-8) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5.

Corn, sweet

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (51-200-147) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices many shipments under contract prices. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 20.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Shipments (207-161-80) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White, Yellow and Bi color mostly 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 7. Quality expected to be generally good. The first FOB report is expected to be issued by June 12. FIRST REPORT

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (171-142-126) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices small much lower, 24s generally unchanged, others lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 8.95, fair quality mostly 6.95; small 5.95, large mostly 6.95. Cartons 24s 3.95-4.95, 36s mostly 4.95-5.95. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (103-88*-92) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices large generally unchanged, others slightly lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 9.95-10.95, fair quality 7.95-8.95; large 8.95-9.95. Quality variable. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (10-26-33) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Higher. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium 20.35-20.85 fair quality 8.35-8.85, cartons 24s 6.35-6.85. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (29-39*-28) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Active. Prices GREENHOUSE 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 10.95-12.95, fair quality 8.95-10.95, large mostly 8.95. Quality generally good. (*revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (37-23-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Includes palletizing and precooling. 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates Pickles 150-200s 16.90, 200-300s mostly 20.00-21.90. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (456-435-426) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, 30s slightly lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 14.35-15.00, filmwrapped mostly 15.35-16.00; 30s filmwrapped mostly 10.65-12.45; ORGANIC 24s filmwrapped 14.50-16.50, 12s filmwrapped 8.50-10.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (74-82-72) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.00-15.25, filmwrapped mostly 13.00-16.25. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (373-360-365) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices Hearts 12 3-count slightly lower from market high on Friday, May 29; Hearts 48s generally unchanged from market high on Friday, May 29; 24s generally unchanged. Cartons 24s mostly 7.45-8.65; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 11.56-12.85, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 13.45-14.75. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 20.55-23.25; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 16.55-18.25. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (60-58-41) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, Hearts generally unchanged. Cartons 24s 8.50-11.25; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 12.85-13.50. Quality generally good.

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (1,169*-1,213*-1,056) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were California, New Mexico, Georgia, Columbia Basin Washington, and Mexico. (* revised)

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (296*-333*-242) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano Type 50-pound sacks super colossal 9.00-10.00, colossal 8.00, jumbo 7.00-8.00, medium mostly 9.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo mostly 12.00 medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 6.00-7.00, medium mostly 6.00. (* revised)

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-25-150) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers receive onions. Trading Moderate. Prices Reds higher, Yellow super colossal and jumbo lower, others generally unchanged Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks super colossal 12.00-14.00, colossal 11.00-12.00, jumbo mostly 9.00-10.00, medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 8.00-9.00, medium mostly 9.00.

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (162-156-131) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 21.00-24.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 27.00-31.00.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (239-134-127) — Movement is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano-Type Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 16.00-18.00, Yellow Grano - Type 50-pound sacks colossal mostly 10.00, jumbo mostly 9.00, medium 10.00-12.00, White 50-pound sacks jumbo 14.00-16.00, medium 12.00-14.00, Red 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 8.00, medium mostly 8.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (176-152-111, Includes exports 31-15-19) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP Crossings — (153-249*-91) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (* revised)

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (41-57-46) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Unofficial prices fro Monday, June 01, 2020 Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks colossal 10.00-11.00, jumbo 9.00-10.00, medium 9.50-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 8.00-9.00, medium 7.75-9.00.

ARIZONA DISTRICT — Shipments (49-49-37) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (6-6-18) — Movement expected to increase as shippers receive more onions. FOB price report expected next week (June 8, 2020). First report.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (10-9-6) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Peppers, bell

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (86-81-80) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading yellow large fairly active at lower prices, others fairly active at slightly lower prices. Prices Yellow large lower, others slightly lower. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red jumbo and extra large 15.95-17.95, large 14.95-15.95; Yellow jumbo and extra large mostly 16.95-17.95, large 14.95; Orange jumbo and extra large 18.95-19.95, large 17.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (97-84-62) — Movement of Green expected to decrease seasonally, Red about the same. Trading early very active, late moderate. Prices Green slightly higher, Red lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green extra large mostly 26.95-28.95, large 24.95-26.95; irregular size fair quality Green mostly 18.95-20.95, Red mostly 16.95-18.95. 1/2 bushel cartons Red extra large and large mostly 16.95. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (29-58-55) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 22.35-22.85 extra large 22.35-22.85 fair quality 16.35-18.85 large 18.35-18.85. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest of Green expected to begin the week of May 31. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5. FIRST REPORT.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,722*-1,800*-1,482) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, California and Florida. (* revised)
UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments — (718-781-642, Includes exports 9-6-6) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A mostly 6.50-7.00; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 12.00-13.00, 80s mostly 10.00, 90s 8.00-9.00, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum 4.00-5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 7.00-8.00.

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (224-243*-151, Includes exports 13-14*-12) — Movement expected to be about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-9.50, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A mostly 10.00; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 12.00-14.00. (* revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-152-149, Includes exports 37-36-38) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 50-70s higher, carton 40s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 11.00-12.00, 50-70s 13.00-14.00, 80s 11.00-13.00, 90s 10.00-12.00. 100s 9.00-11.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (141-126-111) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices U.S. One Round Red size A higher, others generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-23.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-21.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75-16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (109-107-104) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (62-69-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.
ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (22-29-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (43*-45*-27) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5-pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands. (* revised)

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-31-18) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-14*-15) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (*revised)

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (15-12-10) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (7-0-0) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-152-149, Includes exports 37-36-38) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 50-70s higher, carton 40s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 11.00-12.00, 50-70s 13.00-14.00, 80s 11.00-13.00, 90s 10.00-12.00. 100s 9.00-11.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (141-126-111) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices U.S. One Round Red size A higher, others generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-23.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-21.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75-16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (109-107-104) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (62-69-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (22-29-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (43*-45*-27) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5 pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands. (* revised)

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-31-18) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-14*-15) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (*revised)

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (15-12-10) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (7-0-0) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

Squash

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (20-24-17) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Yellow Crookneck small lower, medium unchanged, others higher. ½ and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small 14.35-16.85 medium 12.35-14.85, Yellow Straightneck small 16.35-16.85 medium 14.35-14.85; 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck small 14.35-14.85 medium 8.35 8.85. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (10-6-4) — Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

VIRGINIA — Shipments very light. Movement expected to increase as more growers begin harvesting. Current supplies are very light and insufficient to establish market. FIRST REPORT.

Squash, spaghetti

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (19-19-12) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons small mostly 12.95, medium mostly 16.95-18.95, large mostly 18.95. Quality generally good.

Squash, yellow straightneck

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (23-17-8) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. 4/7 bushel cartons supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable. Light and sporadic crossings expected to continue through June 6. LAST REPORT

Squash, zucchini

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (73-65-40) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices small-medium generally unchanged, other higher. 4/7 bushel cartons small and small-medium mostly 10.95, medium mostly 8.95. Quality variable.

Tomatoes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings (158-155-152) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading fairly active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 16.95-18.95, 5x5s mostly 14.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5 -5x5 size mostly 13.95-14.95, 5x6 size mostly 12.95. Quality generally good. Most present shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (213-155-141) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Mature Greens 85% U.S.One or better 5x6 size 17.95, 6x6 size 17.95, 6x7 size 17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (78-49-83) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s 16.95-18.95, 5x5s 14.95-16.95, 5x6s mostly 12.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (30-29*-10) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-0-3) — Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 5 days. Expect sufficient number of shippers for first F.O.B. within 7 days.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (6-7*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (*revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 14. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 21.

Tomatoes, cherry

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (3-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (3-2-1) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Flats 12 1-pint basket with lids 16.95-17.95. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes, grape

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings— ( 17-15-15) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Available supplies very light. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Flats 12-1 pint containers with lids medium-large supplies 16.95. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large supplies insufficient to establish a market. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (26-18-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 15.95-16.95. 20 pound cartons loose 29.95-33.95. Quality generally good.

FLORIDA WEST AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-2-10) — Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 5 days. Expect sufficient volume for first F.O.B. within 7 days.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (5-3-7) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late active. Prices pints higher, cartons slightly higher. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 9.95-10.95 and 20 lb carton loose medium-large mostly 16.95-17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (#-#-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 7. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (267-162-189) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early very active, late active. Prices much higher. 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large and large mostly 16.95, medium 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (99-89-105) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late active. Prices much higher. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 16.95-17.95, large mostly 13.95-14.95, medium 12.95-13.95. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (64-58-45) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Extra services included. 25 pound cartons loose extra large 17.95, large 17.95, medium 17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (51-39*-35) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Active. Prices 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large and large mostly 18.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 7. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 14. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 21.

Generation Farms adds garlic to offerings

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:53 GMT

Generation Farms , Vidalia, Ga., is adding white and purple garlic to its line of fruits and vegetables.

The garlic is available in net bags, either three or five bulbs per bag with wineglass labels, and in 30-pound bulk cartons. Custom packaging for retailers is also available, according to a news release.

“The current supply is beautiful, with firm heads, and ready for immediate sale and consumption,” Brian Stanley, director of sales, said in a news release.
“We’re sourcing from exclusive grower relationships in Spain, Argentina, Peru and Mexico to ensure a steady, year-round supply of white and purple premium garlic,” he said.

Containers will be arriving at East Coast ports.

The less common purple garlic, which has a stronger scent and taste, is popular with gourmet chefs and food aficionados, according to the release.
Generation Farms grows and markets Vidalia onions , watermelons, squash and other fruits and vegetables.

Related stories:

Generation Farms adds Michigan, Georgia offices, hires sales veterans

Vidalia growers expect ample, promotable supplies

D.R. Walcher halts expansion

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:36:54 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has put some expansion plans on hold at D.R. Walcher Farms in North Fairfield, Ohio, said Ken Holthouse, partner.

“We were planning an expansion at Walcher, adding onto the building and getting into some bagged product eventually, but the way the COVID thing has hit, we’re waiting,” he said.

“We need to get this season behind us. The whole world wants 2020 to go into the history.”

The planned expansion includes a 20,000-square-foot canopy at Walcher’s 10-year-old packingshed, Holthouse said.

“We’re pretty large into the fall squash and fall decorative items; you have to get it out of the sun as much as pos-sible and we don’t have a whole lot of space,” he said.

“We’re going to wait on that for the time being.”

Sister company Holthouse Farms in Willard, Ohio, has added about 15,000 square feet in the past three years, Holthouse said.

“There’s a new loading dock extension, a new office complex and a box storage barn,” he said.

Related Content:

Ohio suppliers ready for heavy retail sales this season

Church Brothers adds five Green Giant Fresh value-added items

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:10 GMT

Church Brothers Farms, Salinas, Calif., is adding five Green Giant Fresh value-added products.

The products are Sweet Baby cauliflower and broccoli , and cubed butternut and spaghetti squashes and sweet potatoes .

“Our goal is to deliver fresh, healthy food that is prepped and ready to use for consumers looking to bring restaurant-style dishes into their home,” Rick Russo, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Church Brothers, said in a news release. “The cubed veggies are a fresh take on favorite fall vegetables. We are excited to deliver nutrition and flavor to shoppers at affordable prices.”

Details on products include:

Sweet baby cauliflower: six 10-ounce pouches per carton, with a 16-day shelf life;
Sweet baby broccoli: available in 1-pound pouches with handles, 12 to a carton, 8-ounce overwrap trays, 12 to a carton, 8-ounce pouches, six to a carton, 18-count iced bunches, and 18-count iceless bunches, with 18-day shelf lives (8-ounce pouch has 16 days);
Sweet potato cubes: half-inch cubes, six 16-ounce bags per carton, with a 16-day shelf life;
Spaghetti squash cubes: 1 ½-inch cubes, six 16-ounce bags per carton, with a 16-day shelf life; and
Butternut squash cubes: ¾-inch cubes, six 16-ounce bags per carton, with a 16-day shelf life.

The sweet baby Green Giant Fresh items reduce prep time and food waste at home, according to the release.
“These new items give retailers the opportunity to build a Sweet Baby category,” Russo said in the release. “Their uniform stand-up pouches look great side by side on the shelf.”

Related stories:

Church Brothers Farms expands Green Giant line

Church Brothers introduces sweet baby broccoli, cauliflower

Church Brothers acquires Green Giant Fresh value-added line

Generation Farms redesigns website with eye on the future

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:48:59 GMT

Generation Farms , Vidalia, Ga., has redesigned its website, generationfarms.com , focusing on the company’s vision for the future.

The new site tells the company’s story from a Vidalia onion grower in 1974, “to becoming a global leader at the forefront of modernizing the produce industry,” according to a Generation Farms news release.

“Generation Farms honors the hardworking heritage that helped us get where we are today,” CEO Gastón Marquevich, said in the release. “We are also focusing on the future, which includes being relied on by our retail and foodservice customers around the world as their preferred, single-source provider for sustainably-grown conventional and organic produce year-round.”

The company recently redesigned its logo and has a new tagline: “Fresh for the Future.”

The company is well-known as a grower-shipper of Vidalia onions, but it also offers cucumbers , eggplants , garlic , peppers, squash , watermelon , and other items, according to the release. More items are planned for later, and the site makes it easier for foodservice and retail buyers to learn about Generation Farms’ products and pack sizes, according to the releases, as well as shipping locations, including Lake Wales, Fla., and Hamilton, Mich.

Moxxy Marketing designed the website to allow for a second phase of content and functionality when the company expands as planned.

“Generation Farms’ new website is clean and modern, and is structured to make it easy for visitors to quickly find the information they’re looking for,” Molly Briseño, Moxxy Marketing vice president, said in the release.

Related stories:

Generation Farms unveils new conventional, organic logos

Generation Farms adds Michigan, Georgia offices, hires sales veterans

Southern Specialties celebrates 30 years in business

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:30 GMT

Southern Specialties Inc. , Pompano Beach, Fla., is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The company grows and imports from 10 countries throughout the Americas, according to a news release, and offers more than 300 stock-keeping units.

“I’m proud of what we have accomplished over the last 30 years and excited about our future. Our success is the product of an amazing team.” Robert Colescott, founder, president and CEO, said in a news release. “Years ago we created a tagline for our company: ‘Let’s grow something special,’ (and) it’s as relevant now as it was then.”

The company was instrumental in pioneering specialty vegetables, working with chefs and foodservice distributors to develop year-round availability from French beans to baby zucchini , according to the release.

“In addition to growing our product line, we have grown enduring relationships with our customers, our farmer community, our suppliers and our team,” Colescott said in the release.

The company has recently expanded of its Pompano Beach facility to 150,000 square feet. It includes new sales and executive offices, additional cold storage, forced-air cooling, more value-added packaging capability and receiving and shipping docks., according to the release.

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Southern Specialties helps feed Louisiana health professionals

Guatemala’s specialty exports to U.S. on the rise

Southern Specialties gives produce to Brighter Bites program

Inc. Magazine recognizes Cece’s Veggies for skyrocketing growth

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:25 GMT

Vegetable “pasta” maker Cece’s Veggie Co. , Austin, Texas, made Inc. Magazine’s annual list of fastest-growing private companies, with a three-year revenue growth of 23,880% to put it at No. 3.

The company, established in 2015 with two stock-keeping units available at one retailer, first exhibited to the industry at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Oct. 2016, displaying spiralized zucchini , butternut squash , sweet potato and beet products.

Additions since then include organic riced broccoli and cauliflower, organic meal kits with vegetable pasta and cheese or marinara sauce, and Grillerz, which are carrots, sweet potatoes and summer squash, fresh-cut with ridges.

“The company’s mission is to make it easier — and more fun — for everyone to eat more veggies, more often,” according to a news release from Cece’s.

“Cece’s started as a hare-brained scheme in my kitchen involving my kids (who have gluten allergies), power tools, and a lot of mangled sweet potatoes,” Mason Arnold, Cece’s Veggie Co. founder, said in the release. “ … We were confident that the brand would resonate with consumers, but for a produce company to be ranked at the top of this list is completely bananas.”

In 2018, the company moved to a new 42,500-square-foot processing facility, and production is five times what it was since the move, according to the release.

Cece’s Veggie products are available at Whole Foods Markets and Sprouts stores nationwide, and regionally at Target, Kroger stores, Albertsons, Safeway, H-E-B and other retailers.

The company’s Veggiccine line received Best New Vegetable Product at the 2017 United Fresh Produce Association show, and in 2018, United Fresh presented Arnold with its Achievement Award for innovation.

Related stories:

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Value-added options abound from Salinas grower-shippers

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:33:32 GMT

As consumers continue to seek out time-saving options at mealtimes, grower-shippers in California’s Salinas Valley continue to offer them a wide range of convenient alternatives.

Gonzalez, Calif.-based Misionero Vegetables LLC markets a variety of value-added vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, green beans, sugar snap peas and squash as well as fresh-cut salads, said Nicole Zapata, marketing manager.

Organic and conventional value-added items are available for retail and foodservice customers.

Zapata said the value-added category continues to grow at retail and foodservice.

“Both consumers and operators are looking for healthy, easy-to-prepare options,” she said.

Ocean Mist Farms , Castroville, Calif., offers a retail-ready line called Season & Steam, said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing.

The line features unique packaging technology that allows consumers to open the bag, add their own personal seasoning, reseal the bag and microwave it.

“This packaging technology allows that personalization, and I want to emphasize, also gently steams the vegetables,” she said.

Some consumers may be averse to microwaving vegetables because of a previous experience, she said, but this packaging technology gives the product “nice mouth appeal.”

“It’s not mushy.”

The line includes:

Brussels sprouts, whole, halves and shreds;
Two-count medium artichokes; and
Sweet baby broccoli.

Ocean Mist Farms also offers value-added bagged spinach that’s washed and ready to eat, and the company is introducing foodservice packs of value-added cauliflower florets and cauliflower rice for foodservice or deli application.

And there’s a 2-pound bag of sweet baby broccoli for foodservice that’s washed and ready to prepare.

Hitchcock Farms , Salinas, Calif., recently completed rebranding of its Garden Hearts romaine hearts, said Dan Holt, vice president of sales and marketing.

The company was the first to introduce romaine hearts to the marketplace in the early 1990s, he said.

“We’ve gone to a more modern look,” Hitchcock said.

The rebranding applied to various packs and cartons, including value-added 12x3 and 7x6 cartons of bagged romaine hearts for retail, he said.

Romaine hearts also are available for foodservice.

Foodservice rebranding was completed last year, Holt said.

Foodservice operators find that the cartons add convenience, since they can be stored on racks in walk-in coolers, and food preparers can remove the bags they need.

All of the company’s value-added items are designed to help buyers save money and labor, he said.

The product line at Salinas-based Church Bros . Farms includes Brussels sprouts, veggie crumbles, little gems, veggie cubes, sweet baby broccoli, value-added salads, field-pack veggies and specialty items, said Mary Poma, marketing manager. Sweet baby cauliflower is coming soon.

Foodservice offerings scheduled for introduction in March/April include various cuts of Brussels sprouts, cauliflower rice, cubed butternut squash and washed sweet baby broccoli.

“We are in the process of developing different items for our foodservice partners that we hope to have ready soon,” she added.

Church Bros. Farms has seen a great deal of interest from foodservice partners in its value-added options obtained from its recent acquisition of the Green Giant Fresh value-added vegetable business from Salinas-based Growers Express LLC, she said.

“They are looking for items that will help them save time and labor in the kitchen.”

The value-added cooking vegetable category at retail has been growing and outpacing bulk cooking vegetable for five years or more, said McClean of Ocean Mist Farms.

“Convenience has, for the past several years, been a primary purchase driver in the retail space,” she said.

Brussels sprouts, cauliflower florets and rice and broccoli florets are some of the most popular value-added items.

Private-label value-added cooking vegetables continue to lead category growth.

“We can supply retailers in their private-label programs with broccoli and cauliflower florets, spinach, Brussels sprouts and sweet baby broccoli,” McClean said.

“Private label is what the retailers have been investing in and building equity behind.”

A differentiator for Ocean Mist Farms’ value-added line is that raw product is grown, cooled and processed by the company itself.

“We are the grower, we are the processor, we are the shipper,” she said. “That allows us to guarantee order fulfillment, consistency and quality.”

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Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of May 18

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:34:20 GMT

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = May 2; 2nd no. = May 9; 3rd no. = May 16. Expected movement is for May 24 to June 6. F.o.b. prices are as of May 18.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (20-20-19) — Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. Prices 18-36s slightly lower, 12s generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s mostly 14.50-14.75, 18s mostly 16.55-16.75, 24s mostly 16.55-16.65, 30s mostly 14.65-14.75, 36s 14.65-14.75; ORGANIC 12s 26.55, 18-24s 22.55, 30s 20.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP Crossings — (30-20-23) — Expected to remain the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large mostly 28.75-30.75. Extra services included.

WALLA WALLA DISTRICT AND LOWER YAKIMA VALLEY WASHINGTON — Shipments (25-20-17) — Movement expected about the same. Available supplies light. Trading Very Active. Prices 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates slightly higher, 11 pound cartons/crates generally unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates bunched large and standard mostly 66.75-68.75; 11 pound cartons/crates bunched large and standard mostly 30.75-32.75. Most present Shipments from previous commitments and/or prior bookings.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-1-2) — expected to increase sharply. Harvest has resumed in Southern region following freeze and expected to get underway in West Central region current week. Expect first FOB Shipping Point Prices later in current week.

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA Imports — (U-U-U) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Large and Standard Moderate, others Fairly Slow. Prices Much Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 22.75-23.75, xlge mostly 21.75-23.75, lge 23.75-25.75, std mostly 22.75-24.75, sml supply in too few hands to establish a market. (U = unavailable)

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (126-124-122) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Crown Cut fairly active, bunched moderate. Prices Crown Cut higher, bunched slightly higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 7.35-8.65, 18s mostly 7.85-9.15; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 8.15-9.65, Short Trim mostly 9.15-10.65. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s mostly 12.50-12.85; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 14.50-14.85. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (79-59*-66) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late active. Prices Slightly Higher. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim 10.35-12.50. Quality variable. (* revised)

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (56-69-53) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 8.00-9.00, 18s mostly 8.50-9.50; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 9.00-10.00. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (1-12-7) — Volume expected to remain about the same. No F.O.B. issued. Insufficient number of shippers to establish market. No F.O.B. issued.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (179-161-173) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Higher. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.30-15.40; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 13.30-16.85; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 6.65-8.85; cartons 30 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-20.70. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.20, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.20, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (57-52*-57) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo 12.00-13.00. Quality variable. (*revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (23-19-23) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Sacks 48-1 lb film bags, 24-2 lb film bags, and 10 5-lb film bags medium-large $15.00-16.00; 50 pound sacks loose jumbo $14.00-15.00. Extra services not included. Quality generally good.

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (102-105-100) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late active. Prices higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 9.50-10.85, 9s mostly 8.50-9.75, 16s mostly 8.35-9.75; ORGANIC 12s mostly 14.50-16.55, 9s and 16s mostly 13.50-16.50. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (54-50-41) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late active. Prices Higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 11.00-12.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (270-254-256) — Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. Prices slightly lower. Cartons 2 dozen mostly 10.65-11.95, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 11.55-12.50, 3 dozen mostly 11.65-12.50; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 14.65- 15.65. ORGANIC cartons 2-2 ½ dozen mostly 25.55-25.56; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 22.55-25.56. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (45-63-62) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 2 dozen slightly higher, others generally unchanged. Cartons 2-3 dozen mostly 9.85-11.85. Quality generally good.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5.

Corn, sweet

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (336-396-346) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Very Active. Prices Higher. Includes palletizing and cooling. Wire bound crates Yellow 4-4 1/2 dozen 14.95, White 14.95, Bi-Color 14.95 Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Shipments (99-207-161) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White mostly 13.95-15.95, Yellow and Bi-color mostly 14.95-15.95. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-51) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good.

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (230-187-171) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices 36s much higher, others higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 8.95-10.95, fair quality 6.95-7.95, ordinary quality mostly 3.95-4.95; small mostly 4.95-5.95, large mostly 6.95. Cartons 24s 3.95-4.95, 36s mostly 6.95-7.95. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (151-119*-95) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late active. Prices Higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 8.95-10.95, fair quality 6.95-9.95; large 6.95-8.95. Quality variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (53-55-37) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Pickles Very Active. Prices Pickles 200- 300s Higher, 150-200s Generally Unchanged. Includes palletizing and precooling. 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates Pickles 150-200s 16.90, 200 -300s mostly 20.90-21.90. WAXED supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (16-18*-20) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of May 24. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA — Shipments (0-2-10) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers begin to harvest. Prices Unchanged. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium 14.35-16.85 fair quality 8.35-10.85, cartons 24s 5.35-6.85. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (451-433-456) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly active. Prices much higher. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.85-13.75, filmwrapped mostly 13.85-14.75; 30s filmwrapped mostly 9.65-11.45; ORGANICS 24s filmwrapped mostly 16.00-16.50, 12s filmwrapped mostly 8.00-10.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (73-78-74) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly active. Prices Higher. Cartons 24s film lined 8.85-11.65, filmwrapped 10.85-12.65. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (370-365-373) — Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. Prices 24s higher, Hearts slightly higher. Cartons 24s mostly 7.65-8.75; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 10.65-11.75, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 11.65-12.75. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 18.00-20.55; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 14.50-16.75. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (44-63-60) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly active. Prices Hearts higher, 24s generally unchanged. Cartons 24s 8.85-9.50; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages 10.85-13.50. Quality generally good.

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (7-5-3) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. Lighter — Shipments expected to continue through May 30. LAST REPORT

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (1,122*-1,178*-1,141) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were California, Texas, Columbia Basin Washington, Georgia, and Mexico crossings. (* revised)

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (149-269*-282) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano Type 50-pound sacks super colossal 9.00-10.00, colossal 8.00, jumbo 7.00-8.00, medium mostly 9.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo mostly 12.00 medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 6.00-7.00, medium mostly 6.00. (* revised)

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (280-280*-239) — Movement is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Whites higher, others generally unchanged. Yellow Grano-Type Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 16.00-18.00, Yellow Grano - Type 50-pound sacks colossal mostly 10.00, jumbo mostly 9.00, medium 10.00-12.00, White 50-pound sacks jumbo 14.00 -16.00, medium 12.00-14.00, Red 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 8.00, medium mostly 8.00. (* revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (260-204-176, Includes exports 25-29-31) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (171-159-162) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 20.00-22.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 27.00-30.00.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (95-84-140) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ARIZONA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-29-49) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (3-31-41) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY OREGON — Shipments (133-86-38, Includes exports 5-4-2) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (9-8-10) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Peppers, bell

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (59-80-97) — Movement of Green expected about the same, Red expected to increase seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo and extra large mostly 24.95- 26.95, large 22.95-24.95; irregular size fair quality Green mostly 16.95, Red mostly 24.95. 1/2 bushel cartons Red extra large and large mostly 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (105-89*-79) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Active. Prices slightly higher. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red and Yellow jumbo and extra large 16.95-18.95, large 14.95-16.95; Orange jumbo and extra large 18.95-20.95, large 17.95-19.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 17.95-20.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (125-118*-67, Field Grown 102-95-52, Greenhouse 23-23*-15) — Movement of Red expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Active. Prices Red slightly higher, irregular size much higher. Red 15 pound extra large mostly 18.95-20.95, large mostly 18.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel cartons irregular size mostly 20.95-22.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-29) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 22.35-24.85 extra large 22.35-24.85 fair quality 16.35-18.85. FIRST REPORT.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (63-68-25) — Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,556*-1,591*-1,715) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, Florida and Wisconsin. (* revised)

UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments (606-717-718, Includes exports 3-7-9) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Carton 40-70s active, others moderate. Prices bales higher, carton 90-100s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A mostly 6.50-7.00; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 12.00, 80s mostly 10.00, 90s 8.00-9.00, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum 4.00-5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 7.00-8.00; Russet

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (208-191*-226, Includes exports 10-14*-15) — Movement expected to be about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices USONE baled 10 5 -pound and 5 10-pound lower, others unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-10.00, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A mostly 10.00; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 12.00-14.00. (*revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (141-141-159, Includes exports 32-34-37) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 40-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 40-70s higher, bales and U.S. twos lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 12.00, 50-70s mostly 12.00-14.00, 80s mostly 10.00-11.00, 90- 100s mostly 9.00-10.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (197-168-141) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-22.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-20.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75- 16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Round White U.S. One 50 pound cartons size B mostly 18.50-20.00, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 35.75-40.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 25.75-30.75, size B mostly 16.75-18.50. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (96-93-109) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (53-54-62) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (49-39-36) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5-pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands.

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (0-0-36) — Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (23-30-31) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-18-20) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (35-19-15) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

Squash, yellow straightneck

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (44-30-23) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 4/7 bushel cartons small 8.95-10.95, small-medium mostly 10.95, medium mostly 6.95. Quality variable.

Squash, zucchini

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (136-116-73) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Higher. 4/7 bushel cartons small and small-medium 8.95-10.95, medium mostly 6.95-7.95. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium-large 3.00-4.95. Quality variable.

Sweet potatoes

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (101*-103*-92) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. No. 1 15.50-17.00, U.S. No. 1 Petite 12.00-13.00, U.S. No. 2 8.00-10.00, No Grade Marks jumbo 10.00-12.00. (* revised)

MISSISSIPPI 2019 CROP — Shipments (27-23-25) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. Number One mostly 21.00 U.S. Number Two mostly 14.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 14.00-15.00. Quality generally good.

ATWATER LIVINGSTON CALIFORNIA 2019 CROP — Shipments (16-15-16) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies are getting light. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Type U.S. Number One mostly 32.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium mostly 18.00-20.00 jumbo 20.00-22.00; White Types U.S. Number One 34.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium 20.00-22.00 jumbo 18.00-22.00; Japanese Types U.S. Number One mostly 35.00-38.00. Organic 40 pound cartons supplies in too few hands to quote. Quality generally good.

LOUISIANA 2019 CROP — Shipments (8-9-7) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons U.S. Number One 22.00-24.00 U.S. Number Two 14.00-16.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 14.00-16.00. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (219-196-213) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices 6X7 size Lower, Others Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Mature Greens 85% U.S.One or better 5x6 size 27.95, 6x6 size 27.95, 6x7 size 19.95-23.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (169-166*-154) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices 4x4-4x5s much lower from market high on Friday, May 15, others slightly lower. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 14.95-16.95, 5x5s mostly 12.95-13.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5 size mostly 14.95, 5x5 size mostly 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good. Most present — Shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (73-120-78) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices much lower. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s mostly 16.95-18.95, 5x5s mostly 10.95-12.95, 5x6s mostly 10.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (30*-29*-5) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (3-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of May 24. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31, as most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 7. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. FIRST REPORT

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Light harvest expected to start within 20 days. Expect sufficient number of shippers for first F.O.B. within 25 days.

Tomatoes, cherry

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (3-3-3) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Flats 12 1-pint basket with lids mostly 7.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (2-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of May 24. (* revised)

Tomatoes, grape

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (23-26-26) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 8.95. 20 pound cartons loose 15.95. Organic flats 12 1-pint containers with lids Insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (25-20-17) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early fairly slow, late active. Prices much higher. Flats 12-1 pint containers with lids medium-large supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large 22.95-24.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (8-6*-5) — Movement expected about the same. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large and 20 lb carton loose medium-large supplies insufficient to establish a market. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (#-#-0) — Movement expected to increase as most shippers begin the week of May 24. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of May 31. FIRST REPORT (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (258-317*-267) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early slow, late moderate. Prices medium generally unchanged, other slightly lower. 25 pound cartons loose Roma (supplies heavy) extra large and large mostly 8.30, medium 8.30. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (91-104-91) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late fairly active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 8.95-9.95, large mostly 8.30-8.95, medium 8.30- 8.95. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (63-67-64) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Extra services included. 25 pound cartons loose extra large 11.95-13.95, large 11.95, medium 9.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (20-31*-32) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of May 17. (* revised)

New Jersey crops even out after warm, cool spells

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:56:04 GMT

With the way the crops in New Jersey are going, you would hardly know there’s a pandemic.

“In June, we’ll be rolling strong,” said Bill Nardelli Jr., vice president of sales and marketing for Nardelli Bros. Inc ., Cedarville, N.J.

“Even with this whole COVID-19 pandemic we’ve been going through, we’ve stayed pretty steady.”

A mild winter gave way to a chilly spring in New Jersey, causing some growers to plant earlier than previous years but harvest at typical times.

“Mother Nature always has a way of evening things out,” Nardelli said.

Early crops show good size and quality, which is expected to continue as the Garden State’s summer and fall seasons unfold, said Joe Atchison, marketing and development director of the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trenton, N.J.

“While it is early in the season, the outlook is positive,” Atchison said.

Related content: Snapshot: NJ produce season through the eyes of Nardelli Bros.

The Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey reported that a few farmers had a bit of a slowdown, but by May 20, they were back on track in the fields, agriculture commissioner Douglas Fisher said on a May 23 video for the Eastern Produce Council , New Providence, N.J.

Sweet corn was about two feet tall in southern Jersey, he said.

“There are tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash all coming along, as well as a large variety of greens, looking very fine and being harvested right now,” Fisher said in the video.

As May unwound and June kicks off, growers were finishing up asparagus and strawberries while still harvesting leafy greens, spinach and herbs. Squash, beans and cucumbers start in June and continue into July, when growers start with volumes of sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, eggplant and peppers, among other specialty crops, Atchison said.

The New Jersey Peach Promotion Council reported that peaches should start about July 1, “and we’re expecting an excellent, healthy crop,” Fisher said in the video. An especially cold week in May helped the thinning process, so losses were minimal, according to the peach council.

BY THE NUMBERS

Some of New Jersey’s biggest specialty crops are blueberries, peppers, peaches, asparagus, cranberries, squash and spinach, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

In 2019, the state harvested:

9,300 acres of (not wild) blueberries, yielding 5,090 pounds per acre for a total of 47.3 million pounds and $85.3 million value;
3,500 acres of bell peppers, yielding 33,600 pounds per acr to produce 117.6 million pounds, worth $45.9 million;
3,900 acres of peaches year, yielding 10,000 pounds an acre to produce 39 million pounds and a $25.7 million value;
2,000 acres of asparagus, yielding 3,584 pounds per acre, for a production of 7.2 million pounds, valued at $16.3 million;
2,700 acres of cranberries, yielding 196 barrels per acre for a production of 529,000 barrels and $14.5 million value;
3,200 acres of squash, yielding 10,080 pounds per acre for a total of 32.3 million pounds and a $13.7 million value; and
1,900 acres of spinach, yielding 13,440 per acre for a total of 25.5 million pounds and a $6.7 million value.

In June 2019 alone, New Jersey shipped 17.8 million pounds of blueberries, compared to 16.4 million pounds in June 2018, according to USDA’s annual Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Shipments report.

Peaches came next by weight, followed by nectarines and cranberries.

Related content: New Jersey produce news

FAMILY FARMS

After the unseasonably cool spring that delayed harvesting most crops seven to 10 days, the warming trend before Memorial Day should help Consalo Family Farms , Egg Harbor City, N.J., catch up on production.

That will “put all vegetable crops in full swing,” said Chelsea Consalo, vice president of produce. The Consalos also have a farm in Hammonton, a sales company, Freshwave Fruit and Produce, in Vineland, N.J., and farm partnerships nationwide.

Blueberries are at the front edge their season, which should run through July, Atchison said.

Consalo’s initial estimates were to begin harvesting the New Jersey blueberry crop June 3-5. Instead, because of the cooler weather, she expects to begin about June 13.

Meanwhile, Consalo Family Farms began harvesting cooking greens and herbs May 1 and romaine and leaf lettuce May 8.

“Even though the cool weather caused delays in harvest, it has resulted in outstanding quality on all of our items,” Consalo said.

Customers can expect a full line of New Jersey vegetables and blueberries during the spring, summer and fall with great sizing and quality, she said.

Nardelli Bros. also has farm partnerships elsewhere but grows more than 80 commodities during New Jersey’s season, said Nardelli, part of the fifth generation who runs several hundred acres of family farms with his brother, Jimmy Nardelli II, vice president of production and operations, and their father, Bill Nardelli Sr., president.

Founded in 1898, the company also has cooling and packing facilities in Cedarville, a distribution center in Vineland, N.J., and a fleet of trucks to deliver the products to retail stores.

The Nardellis’ New Jersey season starts with asparagus in mid-April, continuing all the way through to summer dry items, such as peppers, cucumbers and squash, and then back to wet items such as lettuces and greens until Thanksgiving.

In June, the company will have a lot of wet greens, Nardelli said: romaine, red leaf, green leaf, Boston, endive, escarole, many cooking greens, parsley and cilantro.

Cabbages — green, red, savoy, napa, bok choy — come in early June. Come mid-June, expect green and yellow squash, then cucumbers. By the end of June and early July, Nardelli Bros. will harvest peppers and three flavors of corn.

June is prime time for variety from the Nardelli farm as spring and summer harvests intermingle.

“We can put as many as 30 items on one truck. That gives our customers a lot of variety with two seasons overlapping a bit,” Nardelli said.

About 90% to 95% of the acreage is conventional crops, but the Nardellis are gradually adding more organic crops to meet rising demand, he said.

INDOOR AGRICULTURE

While southern New Jersey is full of open, green, rural farmland, northern New Jersey — especially the densely populated northeastern region just across the Hudson River from New York City — is another beast entirely.

A growing trend there, as well as at other Northeastern urban areas, is indoor, controlled atmosphere agriculture, particularly vertical farms.

Related content: How indoor, vertical Bowery Farming is faring during COVID-19

Vertical farms, in which rows of crops are stacked one on top of another using LED lights and automated growing systems, are mainly reserved for leafy greens and herbs that don’t require much space and have quick growing cycles.

Bowery Farming’s headquarters is in Manhattan, but its original farm, which is now a research and development farm, is in Kearny, N.J. The company has since created a second farm in Kearny allowing for 30 times more output than the first farm, according to the company.

There are multiple grow rooms with different temperatures and humidity capabilities for different types of crops.

It’s a commercial, hydroponic, automated indoor farm to serve brick-and-mortar retailers within a 150-mile radius in the tri-state area, said Carmela Cugini, executive vice president of sales.

The proprietary technology includes machine learning, which means that all the growing tricks learned at the first farm are already in place at the second, where even more advancements can build upon the foundation of knowledge, Cugini said.

Bowery Farming grows arugula, baby kale, bok choy, butterhead lettuce, kale mix, romaine, spring blend, basil, cilantro and parsley.

Close by in Newark, N.J, there’s AeroFarms, another indoor vertical farm using its own proprietary technology to grow, not hydroponically, but with a patented aeroponic system that uses a mist of nutrients, water and oxygen and no sun or soil. The company began in 2004.

It’s in season year-round at these vertical farms.

Related content: These companies made Thrive’s Top 50 AgTech and AgFood lists

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of July 6

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:34:20 GMT

What the numbers mean

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = June 20; 2nd no. = June 27; 3rd no. = July 4. Expected movement is for July 5-18. F.o.b. prices are as of July 6.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (17-18-17) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices 30s lower, 24s slightly lower, others generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s 10.75-12.75, 18s 10.50-12.75, 24s mostly 9.55-10.65, 30s mostly 7.50-9.05, 36s mostly 8.75-10.65; ORGANIC 12s 18.55, 18-30s 24.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (29-40*-37) — Expected to remain about the same. Trading Slow. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large 21.75-24.75, standard 21.75-24.75. Extra services included. Many sales being booked at previously committed prices. (* revised)

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA — Imports (21-27*-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Slow. Prices Much Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 23.75-25.75, exlge mostly 24.75-26.75, lge mostly 24.75-25.75, std mostly 23.75-25.75, sml 18.00-19.00. Few new sales. Quality generally good. (* revised)

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (83-97-96) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 13.45-15.35, 18s mostly 13.95-15.85; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 15.65-16.85, Short Trim mostly 16.35-18.65. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s 24.50-28.55; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 28.50-30.55. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (104-110*-95) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim mostly 12.00-13.00. Quality variable. (* revised)

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (19-24-20) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons bunched 14s 10.00-13.85, 18s 13.50-14.35; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 13.00-15.35, Short Trim mostly 14.00-17.85. Quality generally good.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (216-221-173) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.40-15.85; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 15.00-18.40; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 7.50-9.20; cartons 30 -lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (53-49*-48) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo mostly 11.00-12.00. Quality variable. (* revised)

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (85-86-89) — Movement expected about the same. Trading 12s moderate, others fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 8.45-10.65, 9s mostly 8.45-9.65, 16s mostly 7.50-9.45; ORGANIC 9-16s 19.50-24.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (33-35-43) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late slow. Prices much lower. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 7.00-8.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (204-233-211) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late fairly active. Prices 2-2 1/2 dozen higher, others slightly higher. Cartons 2-2 1/2 dozen mostly 18.35-19.65, 3 dozen mostly 18.35-19.55; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 20.45-21.65. ORGANIC cartons 2 dozen mostly 18.00-18.56, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 16.50-18.56; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 16.50-20.56. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (60-53-69) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices 2 dozen much lower, 2 1/2 dozen lower, 3 dozen slightly lower. Cartons 2 dozen mostly 12.00-14.85, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 14.00-16.65, 3 dozen mostly 14.00-16.50. Quality generally good.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-0-#) — Movement expected to increase. Initial light harvest of hearts underway. Season delayed by hot weather and early May freezes. FIRST REPORT. (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Corn, sweet

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (73-163-224) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 22.95-24.95. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (89-182-163) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late slow. Prices much lower. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White mostly 18.95-20.95, Bi-Color 24.95-26.95. Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (20-10-2) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Very Slow. Cartons/crates supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. Lighter Shipments expected to continue through July 11. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN VIRGINIA — Harvesting is expected to begin on approximately July 10.

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (68-81*-94) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 12.95-14.95, fair quality 9.95-10.95; large mostly 10.95-11.95. Quality variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-5-29) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 14.85-16.85, fr qual 6.00-8.85, cartons 24s 6.00-7.00. Quality good. Supplies light.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (55*-52*-23) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Available supplies light. Trading large and 36s active, others active at slightly lower prices. Prices large and 36s generally unchanged, others slightly lower. GREENHOUSE 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 18.95-20.95, fair quality mostly 16.95, ordinary quality mostly 8.95-9.95, large mostly 16.95. Cartons 24s mostly 6.95-8.95, 36s mostly 10.95; ORGANIC GREENHOUSE cartons 36s 10.95-12.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (53-84-23) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium mostly 12.35-12.85 fair quality 6.35-7.85, cartons 24s 3.35-5.85. Quality generally good.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (28-27-5) — Movement expected to continue decreasing as most shippers are finished for the season. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. LAST REPORT.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-0-1) — Movement expected to increase as more producers begin to harvest. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (451-427-398) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, 30s lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 16.65-18.45, filmwrapped mostly 17.65-19.45; 30s filmwrapped mostly 13.00-14.75; ORGANIC 24s filmwrapped mostly 16.00-16.50, 12s filmwrapped mostly 8.55-10.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (74-53-71) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late fairly slow. Prices lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.85-14.00, filmwrapped mostly 13.85-15.00. Quality variable.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (370-324-301) — Movement expected about the same. Supply of Hearts fairly light. Trading 24s fairly slow, Hearts moderate. Prices 24s much lower, Hearts slightly lower. Cartons 24s mostly 16.50-19.65; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 26.45-28.65, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 27.45-29.45. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 20.50-24.55; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 24.50-28.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (56-53-49) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices lower. Cartons 24s mostly 18.85-20.50; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable.

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (946-924*-895) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were New Mexico, California, Mexico, Georgia and Columbia Basin Washington. (* revised)

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO 2020 CROP — Shipments (368-452-415) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Yellow colossal, jumbo, White medium and Reds higher, others generally unchanged. Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks super colossal mostly 14.00, colossal 13.00-14.00, jumbo 12.00-14.00, medium mostly 13.00-14.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo 12.00-14.00, medium mostly 12.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 10.00-11.00, medium mostly 10.00-11.00.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (150-174-220) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Hybrid - 50 pound sacks Super Colossal 10.00-12.00, Colossal mostly 11.00-12.00, Jumbo 10.00-12.00, Medium mostly 12.00-13.00; White - 50 pound sacks Jumbo mostly 13.00, Medium 10.00-12.00; Red Globe Type 25 - pound sacks Jumbo 9.00-10.00, Medium 9.00-10.00.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (152-153*-109) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (* revised)

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (102-88-88) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 24.00-26.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 30.00-31.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-22) — Movement expected to remain about the same while over wintered onions are being harvested. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Currently in over wintered onions, transplant onions are expected to start in a couple of weeks. FIRST REPORT.

WALLA WALLA DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-15-17, Includes exports 0-2-3) — Movement expected to increase as shippers receive onions. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Walla Walla sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 22.00, medium 20.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (45-23-11, Includes exports 7-2-0) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (15-11-6) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

Peppers, bell

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (80-74*-87) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red jumbo and extra large 18.00-20.00, large 16.95-17.95; Yellow jumbo and extra large 19.95-20.95, large 18.95-19.95; Orange jumbo and extra large mostly 20.95-21.95, large 19.95-20.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 22.95-25.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (56-87-87) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Very Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green extra large mostly 26.95-28.95, large mostly 24.95-26.95, irregular size fair quality mostly 18.95, Place Pack extra large-large 26.95-30.95; ORGANIC extra large and large mostly 45.00-50.00, irregular size fair quality mostly 35.00-40.00. Quality generally good. Harvest of Red expected to begin the week of July 5.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-1-20) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Active. Prices 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 30.00; extra large 30.00-32.00, fair quality 24.00-28.00.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (53-36-11) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo and extra large mostly 26.35-26.85 fair quality 20.35-22.85 large 24.35-24.85 and Turning Red extra large-large mostly 20.35-24.85. Quality generally good. LAST REPORT.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (27-15-6) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as mostly shippers are finished for the season. Trading Very Active. 1/2 bushel cartons Red supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. Lighter Shipments expected to continue through July 18. LAST REPORT

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-0-1) — Movement expected to increase as more producers begin to harvest. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,678*-1,677*-1,477) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, California and Wisconsin. (* revised)

UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments (735-717-575, Includes exports 15-17-12) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A 7.50-8.50; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 14.00-15.00, 80s mostly 11.00-12.00, 90s mostly 9.00-10.00, 100s mostly 9.00; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum mostly 5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 9.00.

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (238-197-212, Includes exports 22-26-18) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-9.50, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A 10.00-10.50; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 13.00-14.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-167-141, Includes exports 35-35-29) —Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A 7.00-9.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-10.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 13.00-14.00, 50s mostly 17.00-18.00, 60-70s 17.00-18.00, 80s mostly 12.00-14.00, 90s mostly 11.00-13.00. 100s 10.00-12.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum 7.00-9.00.

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (168-156*-136) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50-pound cartons size A 20.00, Size B 22.00; Yellow 50-pound cartons size A mostly 22.00, size B 16.00-18.00 (* revised)

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (83-75-81) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-23-67) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers start to harvest new potatoes. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. FIRST REPORT.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (57-66-60) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ELIZABETH CITY DISTRICT NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (21-60-46) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Round Red and Yellow Type slightly lower, Round White generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound sacks size A 20.75-22.75, size B 20.00-24.75, tote bags approximately 2000 pounds per hundredweight size A 40.00-44.50, size B 48.50; Round White U.S. One 50 pound sacks size A 14.75, size B 14.75-16.75, tote bag approximately 2000 pounds per hundredweight size A 28.50; Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound sacks size A 26.75, size B 14.00-16.75, tote bags approximately 2000 pounds per hundredweight size A 52.00-52.50.

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (33-38-44) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-22-42) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 50 lb sacks Round White US One size A 14.75, chef 17.75-18.75; 50 lb sacks Round Red US One size A 20.75-21.75, size B 24.75; 50 lb sacks Yellow Type US One Size A 26.75.

ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (23-24-20) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MISSOURI 2020 CROP — Shipments (36-32-17) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (13-12-12) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (11-7-9) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

Squash

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-10-21) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Zucchini medium slow, others moderate. Prices Lower. One-half bushel cartons Zucchini small 8.00-8.85, medium 5.00-6.85, Yellow Straightneck small 12.00-12.85, medium 10.00-10.85. Supply of Yellow light. Quality good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (18-10-8) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 1/2 and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small mostly 8.35-8.85 medium mostly 6.35-6.85, Yellow Straightneck small 12.35-12.85 medium 10.35-10.85; 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck small 20.35-20.85 medium 18.35-18.85. Quality generally good.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-1-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 1/2 and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small 7.00-10.00, medium 5.00-8.00; Yellow Straightneck small 10.00-12.35, medium 8.00-10.35.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (1-1-1) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. LAST REPORT.

VIRGINIA — Shipments light. Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices Lower. ½ bushel cartons Zucchini small mostly 6.00-8.00, medium mostly 4.00-6.00; Yellow Straightneck small mostly 12.00, medium mostly 10.00.

Squash, yellow crookneck

LEXINGTON SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (1-1-1) — Movement expected to increase Trading Active. Prices Lower. SUPPLY VERY LIGHT. DEMAND VERY GOOD. 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck sml 19.00-25.00 mostly 19.00, med 17.00-20.00 mostly 17.00.

Squash, zucchini

LEXINGTON SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (1-2-1) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Active. Prices Lower. SUPPLY VERY LIGHT. DEMAND VERY GOOD. 1/2 bushel cartons Zucchini sml 9.00 few much higher, med 7.00 few much higher.

Sweet potatoes

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (86-89*-71) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. No. 1 15.50-17.00, U.S. No. 1 Petite 12.00-13.00, U.S. No. 2 8.00-10.00, No Grade Marks jumbo 10.00-12.00. (* revised)

MISSISSIPPI 2019 CROP — Shipments (23-23-22) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. Number One mostly 21.00-22.00 U.S. Number Two 12.00-14.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 12.00-14.00. Quality generally good.

ATWATER LIVINGSTON CALIFORNIA 2019 CROP — Shipments (10-9-8) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies are getting very light. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Type U.S. Number One 32.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium mostly 18.00-20.00 jumbo 20.00-24.00; White Types U.S. Number One 35.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium 20.00-22.00 jumbo 20.00-
22.00; Japanese Types U.S. Number One 34.00-38.00 No Grade Marks medium 30.00-34.00. Quality generally good.

LOUISIANA 2019 CROP — Shipments (5-6-7) — Movement expected to decrease. Some shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons U.S. Number One 22.00-25.00 U.S. Number Two 14.00-16.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 14.00-16.00. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (47*-147-150) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. 25 pound cartons loose Mature Greens extra large 7.95-9.95, large and medium mostly 9.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (147-145*-127) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Moderate. Prices 4x4-4x5s slightly lower, others generally unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 12.95-13.95, 5x5s mostly 10.95-11.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5-5x5 size mostly 10.95-12.95, 5x6 size mostly 9.95-11.95. Quality generally good. Most present — Shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (122-82-63) — Movement expected to remain about the same as some growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Extra service included. Mature Greens. 85% U.S. One or Better. 25 pound carton loose. 5x6 size 15.95,, 6x6 size 15.95, 6x7 size mostly 15.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (29*-29*-10) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (25-31*-7) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices Lower. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s mostly 12.95, 5x5-5x6s mostly 10.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Current supplies insufficient to establish market.

ALABAMA — Shipments — Light harvest expected to start within 10 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 14 days.

EASTERN TENNESSEE VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE — Shipments — Light harvest expected to start within 7 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 10 days.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light movement expected to begin over the next 7-10 days. Currently, no F.O.B.s being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Tomatoes, cherry

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (5-9*-1) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. GREENHOUSE flats 12 1-pint baskets medium-large 10.95-12.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Current supplies insufficient to establish market.

Tomatoes, grape

FLORIDA WEST AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (30-24-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same as many growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1- pint containers with lids 15.95-17.95; 20 pound cartons loose mostly 32.95-33.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (13-15*-11) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 9.95-11.95. 20 pound carton loose mediumlarge mostly 15.95-16.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (4-7*-5) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 10.95. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large mostly 20.95-22.95; ORGANIC GREENHOUSE flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large 12.95-14.00, 20 pound cartons loose medium-large 28.95-
30.00. Quality generally good. (* revised)

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Trading fairly active for light supplies. Prices from industry sources flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 15.95-17.95; 20 lb cartons loose 33.95. Supplies in very few hands.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light movement expect to begin over the next 7-10 days. Currently, no F.O.B. is being reported. FIRST REPORT.

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (157-167*-168) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices Lower. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 9.95-10.95, large 8.95-9.95, medium 8.30-9.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (71-69*-29) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early active, late fairly slow. Prices medium lower, others slightly lower. 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large 12.95-14.95, large mostly 10.95-12.95, medium 8.95-10.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (8-20-25) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. 25 pounds cartons loose Roma extra large 11.95-12.95, large 10.95-11.95, medium 9.95-10.95. Quality generally good.

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (6-9-2) — Movement expected to decrease as growers finish for the season. Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN TENNESSEE VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE — Shipments — Light harvest expected to start within 7 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 10 days.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light movement expect to begin over the next 7-10 days. Currently, no F.O.B. is being reported. FIRST REPORT.

Carolinas' crops looking good

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:41:55 GMT

Out with the strawberries, in with the blueberries — and melons, peppers, potatoes, squash, cabbage, leafy greens and cucumbers.

In the Carolinas, spring and summer produce is an edible rainbow. And the harvest is looking good, growers say.

“As far as rain totals go, we’re right on schedule with annual totals,” said Nick Augostini, assistant director of horticulture and field crops for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

“We had a couple late frosts in late April, which was very unusual.”

Some blueberry growers a few earlier varieties that were blossoming at the time, but later varieties are fine, he said.

Thunderstorms and cooler temperatures also delayed planting in the Carolinas, but the harvest volumes are looking up, especially for sweet potatoes, which increase in popularity every year and are a favorite during the pandemic, possibly for their hardiness and affordability, along with sweet taste, growers and marketers say.

Volume usually peaks mid-June for South Carolina and mid-July for North Carolina, said Eric Bolesta, who sells Carolina cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplants and hot peppers for Grower Network , Lake Park, Ga.

Overall, spring and summer crop volume should be about 3% to 5% up, which is not much different from other years, Augostini said.

In 2019, North Carolina produced 2.2 billion pounds of sweet potatoes, 37.5 million pounds of blueberries, 185 million pounds of cucumbers, 190 million pounds of watermelon, 61 million pounds of bell peppers, 64 million pounds of summer squash, and almost 80 million pounds of pumpkins, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

In 2019, South Carolina produced 127.5 million pounds of peaches, 161.3 million pounds of watermelon, according to the USDA statistics service.

South Carolina had a great strawberry season with strong supply, thanks to good weather, and now it’s onto the state’s top-producing crops for late spring and summer: blueberries, peaches, melons, leafy greens, tomatoes and green onions, said LauraKate McAllister, South Carolina Department of Agriculture marketing specialist and executive director of the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association.

Intermittent heavy rainstorms and winds have damaged some taller crops and led to diseases on tomatoes, McAllister said, but the warm and sunny days afterward have dried up excess water quickly.

Peach harvest began May 1 with volume looking good enough to last through August and a fine size, said Kyle Tisdale, South Carolina Department of Agricutlture marketing specialist and executive director of the South Carolina Peach Council.

“Strawberries moved really well, and we’re hoping peaches will piggyback on that trend,” Tisdale said.

L&M Cos., Raleigh, N.C., will have more product for summer because of more volume at its North Carolina and New Jersey farms, said Greg Cardamone, general manager of L&M’s vegetable business.

Squash will start shipping by the end of May, which is about a week later than the past two seasons, which were unusually warm, he said.

“Everything else is pretty much on time, no big growing issues,” Cardamone said.

That includes shipping volume for cucumbers to start about June 10, bell peppers in late June, North Carolina sweet onions and broccoli by the end of May, red and yellow potatoes around June 20 and North Carolina watermelons July 5.

L&M has vegetable farms in Florida, Georgia and New Jersey to offer product for longer windows of time, before and after the Carolina seasons.

For the first time, L&M’s onion grower, Flatland Ag Inc. in Beauford County, N.C., planted 90 acres of potatoes this year, Cardamone said.

Coosaw Farms, Fairfax, S.C., produces more than 2 million pounds of conventional and organic blueberries a year, and this year shouldn’t be different, said Bradley O’Neal, owner.

However, good chill hours on the conventional crop will increase volume and make the start a week to 10 days early at April 6, almost matching the organic blueberry crop, which had lackluster pollination and decreased volume, he said.

On May 5, O’Neal said they were shipping about two tractor-trailer loads of blueberries a day.

Watermelon is the other big crop for Coosaw Farms. Along with the larger-sizing crop from Florida, watermelons grown in South Carolina should be shipping June 1 through July.

Coosaw Farms has started planting and setting up the framework for tunnel growing systems to add blackberries for the first time to next year’s offerings.

Jackson Farming Co ., Autryville, N.C., is planting more sweet potato acreage according to plan because year over year, demand increases, said Matt Solana, vice president of operations.

Some spring planting was delayed because of hot and cold temperatures and rain, but crews have caught up, he said.

The company’s spring broccoli is starting to size up as harvest approached in mid-May, and will run through the first week of June, he said. Fall broccoli should be available November through December.

As far as melons, Solana said, “we’re planting like crazy. They’re looking great, as are the transplants on watermelons, ‘lopes and ‘dews.”

The Autryville farm’s first harvest on seedless and seeded watermelons is estimated for the last week of June, with seedless through the end of September and seeded through mid-August. Cantaloupe should run mid-June to mid-August, and honeydews the first week of July through the first week to middle of August.

Pumpkins at the company’s Edenton, Ennice, Sparta and Autryville farms will be planted in July with harvest from September through mid-October.

All in all, Carolina crops are doing fine.

“North Carolina produce is on track for another good season, the quality overall so far is excellent and we’re looking forward to a little bit more demand as things open up,” Cardamone said. “We’re on go. We’re ready.”

Related content:
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North Carolina Sweet Potato expands marketing efforts

Arkansas sweet potato season shaping up well

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:41:55 GMT

There should be no gap between old crop and new crop sweet potato shipments in Arkansas, one leading marketer reports.

New crop harvest typically begins in July or August and usually continues into November. Sweet potatoes can be marketed from storage year-round.

The 2019 sweet potato crop has moved out in good fashion and the outlook for the 2020 crop is strong, said Autumn Campbell, sales manager for Matthews Ridgeview Farms, Wynne, Ark.

“Our storage crop looks great and our plants look beautiful; we do not foresee any issues with shortages or a gap,” she said May 12.

Campbell said the company has been “blessed” through the pandemic and has kept its team safe and healthy with appropriate precautions.

“We are proud to be a part of an industry that is so essential to our country and the entire world,” she said.

For the 2020 crop, planting season has been going great and plants look beautiful, Campbell said.

“It’s warming up here in Arkansas and we are looking at a nice crop for this year,” she said. “We are growing every year and excited about it.”

Big footprint

The USDA does not report annual acreage numbers for Arkansas sweet potatoes.

The Census of Agriculture reported sweet potatoes accounted for 4,598 acres in 2017, or about 42% of total vegetable acreages. 2017 acreage was way up compared with 2012, when 2,410 acres of sweet potatoes were harvested.

The report said 75 operations grew sweet potatoes in 2017, up from just 17 in 2012.

The biggest sweet potato region is in Cross County in northeastern Arkansas, and Rick Wimberley, extension agent for the county, said growers there have been receiving big rains this spring.

While that may delay some planting, rains haven’t hurt the crop potential, he said. Wimberley said acreage in the county could be close to about 3,000 acres.

Sweet potatoes represent the biggest part of Arkansas vegetable acreage.

The Census of Agriculture reported Arkansas growers harvested 11,062 acres of vegetables that year in 2017, nearly the same as 11,111 acres in 2012.

The Census of Agriculture reported 748 operations in Arkansas harvested vegetable acreage in 2017, compared with 625 operations in 2012. The state does not report annual vegetable acreage reports; 2017 is the most recent year available.

Watermelons also are a big crop in Arkansas, according to USDA statistics, with 1,822 acres harvested in 2017, compared with 1,880 in 2012.

The Census of Agriculture reported tomatoes also ranked high, with 952 acres grown on 398 operations in 2017. That is down slightly compared with 2012, when 373 operations grew just over 1,100 ares of tomatoes in the state.

2017 Arkansas vegetable and melon statistics:

Fresh market vegetables: 9,500 acres;

Sweet potatoes: 4,598 acres, 3,492 fresh market acres;
Watermelon: 1,822 acres;
Tomatoes: 952 acres;
Turnip greens: 734 acres;
Summer squash: 578 acres;
Snap beans: 403 acres, 107 fresh market acres;
Pumpkins: 363 acres;
Sweet corn: 341 acres;
Southern peas (cowpeas): 284 acres;
Bell peppers: 128 acres;
Lettuce: 100 acres;
Cucumbers: 118 acres;
Okra: 82 acres;
Mustard greens: 68 acres;
Cabbage: 64 acres;
Cantaloupes: 56 acres; and
Potatoes: 62 acres.

Realted content:
Grapes and pecans gain ground
Arkansas sweet potato acreage rises, but tomato acres fall
Arkansas Produce

Cold, rainy weather forces delays on Michigan’s crops

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:46 GMT

A lingering cold and rainy season had grower-shippers in Michigan waiting a little longer than normal this year to get their summer deals going.

Asparagus

Weather is an issue with asparagus, said John Bakker, executive director for the DeWitt-based Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board .

“It’s really slow, really late,” he said, noting that some hard frosts hit as late as May 11-12, with temperatures in the mid-20s.

That’s not what had been expected, after a mild winter, Bakker said.

“First of April, it looked like we’d be ahead; then, we got slammed into this cold-weather pattern and never got out of it,” he said. “We probably lost half a million to a million pounds in that frost — lost potentially 5% of this crop.”

The rest of the crop was OK, Bakker said.

Harvest had not yet begun in “most fields” by May 18, and harvest didn’t start “in earnest” until after Memorial Day, Bakker said.

Late as they were, the crops looked good, Bakker said.

The 2020 deal might be somewhat shorter than typical, due to the late start, Bakker said.

“I’m guessing that harvest window might be compressed a bit because we started two weeks late,” he said. “We’ll certainly go later — shipping through end of June, early July.”

In a normal year, the deal tends to wrap up by the third week of June, he said.

This year’s asparagus crop likely is later than any other year’s, said Todd DeWaard, sales manager at Hudsonville, Mich.-based Superior Sales.

“It has definitely set asparagus back,” he said of the cold conditions.

For Superior, asparagus started just before Memorial Day, “in a light way,” with volumes picking up quickly, DeWaard said.

“It has been delayed long enough that once it starts, it’s not going to be a slow trickle,” he said.

The crop was late but seemed ideally timed, where the market was concerned, Bakker said.

“A month ago, prices for fresh asparagus were so cheap, we could not even pay the harvest labor to get it out of the field; now, prices are at a record high,” he said. “One retailer was meting it out like toilet paper.”

As of May 22, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 11-pound cartons of bunched green asparagus from Benton Harbor, Mich., were $24-28 for large and standard sizes. A year ago, the same product was $19.95-23.95 for standard size.

Blueberries

Cold weather also had blueberries running a bit behind schedule, said Mario Flores, director of blueberry product management with Naturipe Farms in Grand Junction, Mich.

“The cold weather in spring caused a delay to the start of the season, but the current outlook for Michigan blueberries has the potential for a great crop, based on our original bud count,” he said.

The May freezes were early enough not to cause significant damage during bloom, Flores said.

“We expect this year‘s crop timing to be similar to last year, which was considered one of the latest crop timings in Michigan,” he said. “The later timing will also allow us to better serve our customers from July through the end of September, with pint blueberries available for locally grown promotions the back half of the summer and into the beginning of fall.”

The cold did affect a few spots, said Fred Leitz Jr., one of four owners for Sodus, Mich.-based Leitz Farms LLC.

“In the low spots — I have a couple — they got froze good, but other than that, the rest looks good,” he said.

Vegetables

The cold likely will be less a factor on Michigan’s vegetable crops, grower-shippers say. Indeed, a wave of rain that swept across the state in mid-May helped, said Loren Buurma, partner at Gregory, Mich.-based Buurma Farms .

“They needed it,” Buurma said from Buurma Farms’ Willard, Ohio, operation. “Everything that’s out there looks beautiful.”

Cold had been a worry for a while, but that concern passed, Buurma said.

“Overall, the farm looks beautiful,” he said.

Buurma was to start the season with radishes June 1, with mustard greens, collards, kale and cilantro by June 10 and beets by the end of June, Buurma said.

“Everything looks good,” he said.

Rains also were a blessing for kale, collards and cabbage at Capac, Mich.-based Mike Pirrone Produce , said Matt DeBlouw, president.

“It’s going to be a strong year,” he said.

Pirrone was looking to start in mid-June, with collards and kale, with zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers soon afterward, DeBlouw said, noting that eggplant and peppers would get underway in the last part of July.

“I’m hoping for a little bit better yields, based on last year, which was a little bit wet,” he said.

The cold delayed some plantings of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, but not by much, Leitz said.

“The big question is, will we be able to sell it?” he said, referring to COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Leitz said he was anticipating a start to his cucumber crop about June 25, with blueberries July 1. Grape tomatoes will get underway around mid-July, leading into roma and round tomatoes, he noted.

“We do several plantings of everything in cucumbers and tomatoes and we’ll go until middle of October,” Leitz said.

Cabbage is expected around July 7-10 — or about two weeks later than normal — at Byron Center, Mich.-based E. Miedema & Sons , said Steve Haaksma, sales manager.

The company also grows sweet corn, cabbage, bok choy, napa, celery, cabbage and winter squash, he said.

“We’re way behind what we were last year, and we were actually late last year,” he said, noting that June 20 “is a good average start.”

May started with freezing temperatures, and then heavy rains brought flooding, Haaksma said.

“Typically, we’d have corn in three- or five-leaf stage by then, but this year it was barely breaking through the ground,” he said. “It’s still way behind schedule, but it’s there.”

Typically, corn starts July 20, but it was shaping up for a late start, Haaksma said.

“We can make up a lot of ground if nature cooperates,” he said. “The way it’s going, I’d say we’re going to be a good week to 10 days late.”

Bok choy looked to be on schedule for a normal harvest just after the Fourth of July, Haaksma said.

Squash planting was running a bit late, but that wasn’t a big concern, Haaksma said.

“That’s a long item; we don’t hit that until Labor Day,” he said.

Byron Center-based Van Solkema Produce of Georgia LLC will have cabbage, corn, celery, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, squash, eggplant, chilies and blueberries, said Todd Van Solkema, CEO.

Radishes were first up, about a week after Memorial Day, he said.

“We’re probably about 10 days or two weeks late,” he said.

Van Solkema Produce was looking to have cabbage and leafy greens, as well as romaine and red leaf lettuce by about the third week of June, Van Solkema said.

Celery

Van Solkema said his first celery likely would be about a week late.

“I can see a big gap between paper (covered) and (open-field) celery,” he said.

Van Solkema was forecasting a July 10 start — about a week late — for celery this year.

Squash & cucumbers

Tunnel cucumbers were expected to start around July 10-15, Van Solkema said.

“Of course, Benton Jarbor could be earlier, and some of the tunnel cukes could come off in late June, early July,” he said.

The cool spate of May was expected to break by Memorial Day, Van Solkema said.

“Maybe we’ll catch up a little bit with a little luck,” he said.

Zucchini and yellow squash should start between June 20 and July 1, Van Solkema said.

Peppers

Van Solkema said more seasonal weather could help his pepper crop catch up to a normal pace, which would mean a start in the third week of July.

“There’s time for all that to catch back up,” he said.

Apples

The cold snap may have far-reaching effects on this year’s apple crop in Michigan, Leitz said.

The freeze left some damage, he said.

“It’s not going to be a full crop, at least not in Southwest Michigan,” Leitz said. “It’ll be a decent crop, just not in my area, because it’s been cold.”

Apples typically start in early September, with early varieties, he said.

2020 Fresh Trends Data: squash

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:26 GMT

Fresh Trends 2020 marks the eighth consecutive year that the likelihood of a squash purchase increased according to income. The defining line seemed to happen with consumers earning $50,000+ annually, as was the case last year. This group of affluent consumers was one of the most likely groups overall to buy squash.

Older consumers have an affinity for squash, with those age 59 and older comprising the age group most likely to buy squash for the third straight year. In fact, this group was the most likely to buy squash overall.

African American shoppers were the least likely to buy the vegetable overall.

Squash seems to be most popular in the West and South; this year Western consumers were the most likely to make a purchase when it came to region.

Nearly three in 10 (29%) of squash buyers said they purchased organic product at least some of the time, up from 19% who said the same last year. Eleven percent of buyers said they always selected organic squash.

COVID-19 roundup: Silver linings and sweet corn

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:08:43 GMT

Despite the pandemic, ports on both coasts have optimistic fresh produce outlooks, and the Alliance for Food and Farming is looking at small, but positive changes during the pandemic.

Here’s a recent roundup of news items from the fresh produce industry during the COVID-19 crisis.

Alliance for Food and Farming

The Alliance for Food and Farming, on its safefruitsandveggies.com consumer website is asking people to think of “small positive changes” they’ve noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through a blog post titled “Small Areas of Optimism,” the alliance is asking readers to suggest something positive that’s come about, giving them a list to choose from:

Learning to prep foods and cook;
Greater appreciation for farmers, farm workers and food workers;
Knowing how to wash produce; and
Consumers and media turning to more informed sources.

The alliance will enter those casting votes on Facebook into a drawing for a $250 gift card.

“While these are some small silver linings from our world and perspective, they may become small positive changes as we move forward,” according to the blog post. “While the pandemic has disrupted our lives, impacted our livelihoods and separated or taken us from our loved ones and friends, it has conversely brought all of us together in ways never experienced before through this shared experience. Maybe another and much bigger reason for future optimism?

Fresno State

When Fresno State’s sweet corn went on sale on Memorial Day at its farm market, shoppers found new measures to encourage safety.

The Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market sold the corn inside and outside the business to allow for safe distancing. The outside pay station was for customers wanting to purchase only the university’s popular crop, at $7 for 10 packaged ears of corn, according to a news release.

Other measures in place at the market include:

Face masks mandatory indoors and outdoors;
Restricted number of customers allowed inside;
Students are sanitizing the store every two hours; and
Organized waiting lines to enter the store will facilitate social distancing.

Corn is picked and delivered every morning from the 70 acres of sweet corn at the University Agricultural Laboratory, according to the news release. Yellow corn became available May 25 and white corn will be harvested starting in early June.

Cherries , grapefruit , peaches , squash and strawberries are available from the market. Stone fruit, peppers and tomatoes will be available in early June and grapes will follow in July.

Georgia Ports Authority

Import numbers for refrigerated products from Central and South America through Georgia ports continue to remain steady during the pandemic.

From the start of the fiscal year through the first week of May, 26,230 containers of refrigerated product were imported through the port, a 10.5% increase, according to a news release from Savannah-based Georgia Ports Authority.

“The Port of Savannah has been very agile and willing to meet the challenging needs of the produce industry,” Evan Moss, senior director of perishables for the J&K Fresh East division of 721 Logistics. “Refrigerated cargo imports are extremely time-sensitive with market prices constantly changing based on the conditions of supply and demand that exist throughout the country.”

The port is near Atlanta and Memphis, giving it a faster route to reach those markets for perishables such as citrus , grapes , avocados and tropical fruit, according to the release.

The Georgia Ports Authority has 119 refrigerated container racks, for a total of 2,856 container slots.

Last year, the Georgia Ports Authority completed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Southeast In-Transit Cold Treatment Pilot Program, allowing South American citrus, grapes, blueberries and other produce to enter the port.

Matson Fruit

Officials at Matson Fruit Co. , Selah, Wash., met with members of a group of employees who are involved with a protest at the company.

During the May 21 meeting, employees conveyed written demands to improve working conditions, worker protections and pay raises, according to a Matson Fruit news release.

“Today, Matson Fruit Company committed to immediately spend an additional $75,000 on accommodations for dealing with this pandemic,” according to an e-mail from Jordan Matson, co-owner and general manager. “Additionally, I personally am signing an agreement to continue good-faith discussions with the team member representative group.”

Nature Fresh Farms

Nature Fresh Farms , Leamington, Ontario, has installed a BMO Bank ATM to help employees limit their trips during the pandemic.

“Throughout this pandemic we have been looking for ways to make things more convenient for our workers – to give them the option to avoid travel to town for necessities,” John Ketler, vice president, said in a news release. “This has included bringing vendors on-site, some of whom, due to the rapid onset of restrictions, are not set up for debit transactions. We are providing a means for our employees to support these vendors.”

The ATM is one of many measures Nature Fresh has taken to make services more accessible to employees, from bringing vendors on-site to make groceries and prepared meals available, and inviting representatives from financial institutions to help workers complete money transfers home.

“Agriculture is a vital part of the Canadian economy, and part of our purpose as an organization is to drive positive change,” Roy Dias, head of specialized industries for BMO Bank of Montreal, said in the release. “We saw an opportunity to help Nature Fresh Farms bring everyday banking services to their team members – helping both their employees and the community. We will always look for ways to help, as we navigate this environment together.”

Foodservice company requests

More than a dozen foodservice companies are requesting legislators to make changes to the Paycheck Protection Program for restaurants.

With the foodservice sector hit hard by social distancing mandates that closed restaurants’ dine-in businesses, more than eight million restaurant employees have been laid off or furloughed, according to a May 21 letter from the foodservice businesses to members of the U.S. House and Senate.

A recovery timeline for restaurants is unclear, according to the letter, signed by distributors that include Performance Food Group , Ben E. Keith Co. , US Foods and Gordon Food Service . Even as stay-at-home orders are being loosened, regulations mandate distancing measures that cut capacity at some locations to 24-50%.

“Restaurant operators need access to capital to help them retain their employees, pay fixed costs like rent and utilities, and buy food supplies, which they need to operate,” according to the letter.

According to the foodservice companies, Congress should:

Amend the PPP to allow forgiveness of expenses for food and associated supplies;
Remove requirements that limit spending and forgiveness of non-payroll expenses to 25%; and
Extend the forgiveness period for PPP loans from eight to 24 weeks.

Port of Oakland

Danny Wan, Port of Oakland (Calif.) executive director, believes the port will lead the area’s post-pandemic economic rebound.

The port authority, which also oversees Oakland International Airport, is “poised on the forefront of recovery,” Wan told East Bay Economic Development Alliance members on May 22.

“Millions fly through our airport, billions of dollars of goods move through our seaport and 84,000 jobs in Northern California depend on all of that activity,” Wan told an online audience of 300 corporate and government officials, according to a news release. “Through cross-promotion and business partnerships, we can lead the way back for Oakland and the East Bay.”

The airport saw a 96% drop in passenger traffic in April, and the port saw a 6.5% drop compared to year-ago levels, according the release.

When restrictions are lifted, the airport (which is Southwest Airlines’ largest California base) and port facilities (which serve exporting produce companies), will see major benefits, Wan said.

He addressed the alliance to request them to support the port and airport with “fly Oakland” policies and designating the port for exports and imports, according to the release.

For more information on how the pandemic is affecting the produce industry, see The Packer’s COVID-19 webpage .

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Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of July 6

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:00 GMT

What the numbers mean

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = June 20; 2nd no. = June 27; 3rd no. = July 4. Expected movement is for July 5-18. F.o.b. prices are as of July 6.

Artichokes

Asparagus

Broccoli

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Corn, sweet

Cucumbers

Lettuce, iceberg

Lettuce, romaine

Onions, dry

Peppers, bell

Potatoes

Squash

Squash, yellow crookneck

Squash, zucchini

Sweet potatoes

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, cherry

Tomatoes, grape

Tomatoes, plum

Morning Kiss Organic to offer Vidalia and other onions

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:28:50 GMT

Morning Kiss is offering organic Vidalia onions this spring, along with red, yellow and white onions from the Eastern U.S.

The company sources organic Vidalia onions from Generation Farms. A Morning Kiss news release said Generation Farms uses groundwater conservation and management methods in its growing operations.

“We are excited to offer a complete organic onion program with red, white, yellow and sweet organic onions,” Michael Guptill of Morning Kiss Organic, said in the release. “And we’re proud to continue our relationship with Generation Farms, whose innovations in production show a true commitment to sustainable farming.”

Morning Kiss will have other summer vegetables, including peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplants, and red and green cabbage.

Morning Kiss Organic is part of Arrow Farms , Chelsea, Mass.

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Growers Express recalls Green Giant Fresh products

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:56 GMT

Growers Express , Salinas, Calif., is recalling a variety of fresh-cut products, including Green Giant Fresh brand butternut squash and Cauliflower Crumble products, due to a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes.

The Massachussetts Department of Health, which found one positive sample of listeria, notified Growers Express, which posted the recall on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the July 1 recall. Most of the products have “Best If Used By” dates of June 26-29.

No frozen or canned Green Giant brand products are involved.

The products originated from the Growers Express plant in Biddeford, Maine.

“The safety of our consumers is our first priority,” Tom Byrne, president of Growers Express, said in the notice posted on the FDA site. “We self-reported the need for this recall to the (FDA) and stopped production immediately after being notified of a single positive sample by the Massachusetts Department of Health.

“We are deep sanitizing the entire facility and our line equipment, as well as conducting continued testing on top of our usual battery of sanitation and quality and safety tests before resuming production,” Byrne said in the release.

Almost two dozen products are in the recall, with product going to retailers in these states:

Big Y Foods, Massachusetts, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles, Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice Blend,” and Butternut Diced;
Bozzutos, Connecticut, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles, and Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice Blend;”
C&S, Massachusetts., Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice Blend,” Butternut Cubed, and Butternut Diced;
Food Lion, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice” Blend;
Four Seasons, Pennsylvania, Green Giant Fresh Ramen Bowl;
Native Maine (foodservice), Pennsylvania, Growers Express peeled butternut squash;
Procacci, Pennsylvania, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles;
Ruby Robinson (Performance Food Group/foodservice), Maine, peeled butternut squash;
Shaws, Maine, Signature Farms Cauliflower Crumbles, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles, Ramen Bowl and Butternut Diced;
Stop & Shop, New York, Maryland, Green Giant Fresh Zucchini Noodles; and
Trader Joe’s, Alabama, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee (only Knoxville and Nashville), Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin, Butternut Squash Spirals; and
Trader Joe’s, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee (only Knoxville and Nashville), Virginia (only Glen Allen, Newport News, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg) and Wisconsin, Zucchini Spirals.

For specific items stock-keeping units, Universal Product Codes and lot numbers, and for updates, see Growers Express’ information page on the recall at http://www.growersexpress.com/voluntaryrecall/ .

Egg triggers Cece’s brand ramen recall from Veggie Noodle Co.

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:39:47 GMT

Veggie Noodle Co. LLC , Austin, Texas, is recalling a ramen kit because it contains a hard-boiled egg from a company involved in a recall for a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak.

There are six illnesses and one death related to the recall of Almark Foods’ eggs processed at its Gainesville, Ga., processing facility. There are no reported illnesses from Veggie Noodle products, and no other products are being recalled.

The company recalled its Cece’s Veggie Co. brand Fresh Veggie Ramen with Chicken Broth, an 11.5-ounce pack with the Universal Product Code of 5228700653, according to a notice Veggie Noodle Co. posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s recall website.

Veggie Noodle Co. has contacted its customers to confirm the ramen kit has been removed from retailers, according to the FDA notice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Almark Foods recalled eggs from the Georgia facility on Dec. 23, and expanded the recall on Dec. 27. The FDA found Listeria monocytogenes in environmental samples at the Gainesville plant that whole genome sequencing confirmed is “closely related” to the cases under investigation, according to the FDA.

Cases of listeriosis have been reported in Florida, Maine, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas, according to the CDC.

The full list of recalled Almark Foods eggs is on the FDA’s website .

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Rico Farms opens third Mexican farm with organic squash

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:25:11 GMT

Rico Farms has opened its third location Mexico and is shipping its first crop of organic hard squash.

The farm in Guaymas, Mexico, joins two other Rico Farm production areas in the state of Sonora, Mexico. All of the company’s product is packed under the Rico Farms label and marketed exclusively by Bridges Produce Inc. , Portland, Ore.

All of the product is organic, audited by Primus and Fair Trade certified, according to a news release.

The Guaymas location is now harvesting and shipping hard squash, including organic acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti and kabocha squash through early April.

“The warmer winter weather in Guaymas allows us to have a consistent supply of organic Mexican hard squash from November through May,” Rico Farms President Ben Johnson said in the release.

The company previously had a gap in availability between the fall and spring at the Hermosillo operation, and Guaymas production fills the final gap in the Bridges produce year-round organic hard squash program.

Supplies come from California during the summer, the Pacific Northwest in the fall and Mexico for the winter and spring seasons, Johnson said in the release.

Rico Farms also grows cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, melons and chili peppers.

The Tapia family, which owns the Rico Farms locations, has seen the effects of the Fair Trade program on the employees and their families, according to the release.

“The Fair Trade committee is assembled and ready to work will all the employees on the next steps. We have a good plan and people are happy here.” Jacobo Yanes, operations manager for the three locations, said in the release.

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IPR Fresh adds two new items

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:59 GMT

IPR Fresh , Rio Rico, Ariz., has sweet corn and chili peppers for the first time this season, said president Jose Luis Obregon.

The company started importing good-quality sweet corn in early December and will continue through March.

Obregon said the company will have sweet corn next season as well.

IPR Fresh started its chili pepper program in November and will continue through the first week of May.

The company also has bell peppers, squash, cucumbers and European cucumbers.

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