With rampant growth, Texas is not only one of the nation’s more demographically diverse states, but it is full of surprises. Few would imagine it is home to the most women-owned and operated farms, though most are probably aware of its stature within the fresh produce supply chain.
Add in the star power of major metropolitan centers like Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and the exceptionally fast-growing Rio Grande Valley—and you have high-wattage Tex-Appeal.
‘Tex-Appeal’ refers not only to the state’s fruit and vegetable production of more than 60 crops, but to its outsized role in international trade with Mexico. Find out more about buying and selling fresh produce in this Totally Texas spotlight.
Home State Advantage
Despite climbing imports, there are plenty of grower-shippers throughout the Lone Star State contributing to the nation’s fruit and vegetable supply. The fertile Rio Grande Valley accounts for many of these operations, with ongoing support provided by the state’s popular marketing program, Go Texan, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Local produce continues to sell well, with a plethora of vegetables—including potatoes and sweet potatoes dominating the market—along with melons, berries, grapefruit, and tree nuts bringing in millions annually.
Local produce continues to sell well across the state.
The state also happens to be the U.S.’s top producer of cabbage. Steady sales portray a clear demand for Texas-grown cabbage with prices at $5.00 versus $3.50 from Mexico. “People will pay it,” declares Jared Leadbetter, in sales for Majestic Produce Sales Company in McAllen. “We’re not planning on setting the world on fire, but the last two years were good,” he shares.
In 2015, the state pulled in just under $31 million in cabbage sales, from 5,500 harvested acres. Although acreage for cabbage and other crops has been falling in some regions, as growers shift operations to Mexico for less expensive and readily available labor, Leadbetter believes the desire to support and consume local fruits and vegetables under the Go Texan label has kept sales strong.
Wild Weather
Every grower in the United States or North America and beyond contends with weather. Texas grower-shippers, however, experience more than their share of extreme temperature swings and Mother Nature’s wrath. A slice of Texas is in the nation’s infamous “Tornado Alley” bringing many dangerous storms that turn into highly destructive tornados.
