Which, of course, happened. “The onion market is the lowest it’s been in recent years,” continues Ennis. “With limited onion storage, many growers are pushing product into the market and that’s one reason it’s so flooded. Hopefully, we’ll see the market stabilize so everyone can make a profit.” He also sees this as a reason “for getting into more organics and sweet onions, which are more profitable.”
Building strategic relationships is another way to survive. Whether joining forces for marketing, offering custom packaging, or weighing in on future volume, some growers and distributors are partnering to hedge their seasonal bets. Matheny, for one, believes the collaboration pays off: “By contracting and selling products before we plant, we’re able to stabilize our customers’ costs.”
So whether you source or sell onions or potatoes, these staples may not be as glamorous as other fruits and vegetables, but both are innovating to stay on plates and in meals.
Photograph courtesy of River Point Farms, Hermiston, OR
Images: Daxlao Productions, Luisa Fumi & pathdoc/Shuterstock.com
