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.”
