Bad weather causing lettuce, leaf prices to surge

The continued poor weather in California growing areas is limiting supplies of iceberg and romaine lettuce, as well as green leaf varieties. As expected, prices are on a sharp rise.

This morning Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 notified buyers of the situation, which may persist through the rest of the season until growers transition to desert growing regions.

Markon posted:

“Iceberg and romaine supplies continue to be extremely limited.

-Erratic weather patterns of extreme heat followed by rain have compounded quality issues;
-Bottom rot, fringe burn, mildew pressure, seeder, and sun scald are present in current lots;
-Fluctuating densities and light weights are prevalent industry wide;
-Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Sclerotinia disease pressure has forced suppliers to cut ahead of their scheduled harvests to minimize crop loss;
-Expect elevated markets until transitions to Yuma, Arizona and California’s Imperial desert are completed in mid-November.”

As for green leaf, supplies remain extremely scarce as well.

“-Quality is fair following the recent heatwave and rain events;

-Fringe burn, mildew pressure, seeder, thrip damage are present;

-Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) continues to force suppliers to cut ahead in light weight fields to minimize losses;

-Expect elevated markets and limited supplies until transitions to Yuma, Arizona and California’s Imperial desert are completed in mid-November.”