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LIVE FROM THE FIELDS: WIDESPREAD FLOODING IN THE SALINAS VALLEY

March 14, 2023

  • On Friday, March 10, the floor of the Salinas Valley received nearly three inches of rain, while as much as six inches fell in the mountains on both sides of the valley
  • Additional rains are forecast in the Salinas Valley on March 13 and 14; an additional one to three inches are expected
  • The Pajaro River levee, located in the Watsonville/Pajaro Valley, failed last Saturday, March 11, substantially flooding the northern side of the valley; the three main crops affected are iceberg, romaine, and strawberries
  • The Salinas River breached its levee in several areas of the Salinas Valley on Sunday, March 12
    • Previously planted crops projected for harvest from mid-April to mid-May, could experience significant yield losses
    • Plantings that were scheduled from late last week through this week must be postponed due to the oversaturated conditions
  • Monterey County records show the Salinas Valley has roughly 450,000 acres for planting vegetables
    • Salinas Valley accounts for roughly 80% of the nation’s vegetable production from April to early July
    • Delayed plantings and crops lost to flooding will ultimately lead to product shortages and high prices in the spring and into the summer months
  • We will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as new information becomes available

 


MARKET UPDATE FOR MARCH 27, 2023

MARKETS TO WATCH: AT A GLANCE

Peeled Garlic: Supplies of new crop garlic from China remain light and pricing remains stronger than normal. There continues to be quality issues in certain lots. The California market continues to be tight even as harvest has wrapped up. 

Washington Apples: The market is steady for most varieties. It is slightly higher on Galas; 88s and larger. The quality overall is good. 

Avocados: The market is on the rise due to good demand and light supplies of big fruit. The quality is good overall. 

Field Peppers: Western supply is light as crops transition to northern regions. Expect moderate supplies until California starts at Coachella. Florida supplies are steady. Red pepper production is slowly increasing out of Central Mexico. 

Blackberries: Limited numbers are coming out of Central Mexico and the market is tight. The quality overall is good. 

Blueberries: The sole production areas are Central Mexico and Baja until Georgia and Florida begin in 2 weeks. Overall, the quality is good and the market is higher. 

Strawberries: We are in a demand exceeds supply market situation due to continuous rains in the California growing regions. 

Carrots USA: Whole carrot supplies continue to be tight due to recent inclement weather. Markets are up as well. 

Broccoli: Overall, industry supplies will not meet demand through the month of April. Expect elevated prices through this time. 

Cauliflower: Cauliflower supplies are improving in Santa Maria and Yuma. The warmer weather in Yuma is starting to spur growth. 

Broccolini: Sweet baby broccoli (Broccolini) supplies continue to be extremely scarce. Supplies will remain limited into April. Stocks are expected to increase late-April. 

Celery: Demand is low and the market has decreased. This coupled with a better production in Yuma has created a surplus of product. 

Limes: Prices firmed up a bit last week due to less fruit crossing through Texas. Overall quality is good with sizes continuing to peak on smaller fruit 230s/250s. 

Mushrooms: Supply chain issues continue to cause a shortage of supply that will continue into the summer. 

Honeydew: Supplies are improving but mostly on big fruit. Overall, the market is steady and the quality is good. 

Watermelon: Watermelon supplies are slowly improving. Overall, the quality is good and the pricing is steady. 

Onions: Excellent supplies from South Texas of new crop. Northwest supplies are coming to an end as Texas-grown onion supplies ramp up. 

Zucchini: The green zucchini market is steady while the yellow market is very limited. 

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