PRO*ACT Crop Update: Desert supplies tighten
By
Joey Piedimonte
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Desert supplies tighten
We’re officially in the back stretch of the Yuma season, and the tone is starting to shift. Demand has been quiet while much of the country dealt with winter weather, but as temperatures warm orders are picking up and markets are beginning to respond.
Lettuce is steady but tight. Growers are holding to strict averages and that likely won’t change for the next several weeks. Field weights are average, though we’re seeing some dense heads and occasional chunking in value-added packs. Romaine continues to be the most consistent item with strong color and solid hearts.
Green leaf is tightening as demand builds. Broccoli and cauliflower will remain snug through February, especially as Mexican relief tapers off. Spring mix and spinach have improved now that we’re past the worst of the mildew pressure. Arugula is back in better supply but could swing week to week. Cilantro quality is improving, though insect pressure remains on the radar.
Green onions remain one of the toughest items in the vegetable category. Weak winter seed performance, November rains and strong January winds that knocked over harvest-ready fields created a compounding supply issue. Growers harvested aggressively after the wind event, but much of that volume sized small. That short surge only widened the gap we’re now feeling. Sizing is expected to remain small for the next three to four weeks and delayed plantings could create another tight window in March.
In the East, Florida freeze damage has tightened Bell pepper supplies, particularly greens. Yields are down, off-grade fruit is up and markets are firming. Western Mexico crossings are helping offset shortages, especially on reds, but availability remains measured. Carrots are showing better overall quality this week, though jumbo supplies are still light.
We’ve got roughly two months left in Yuma before transition begins. Supplies are manageable, but nothing is loose. As demand builds, expect markets to firm accordingly.
Joey Piedimonte, sourcing manager at PRO*ACT LLC, leverages over a decade of produce industry experience to lead teams, manage key vendor relationships and simplify complex challenges. He is dedicated to growth, strong partnerships and supporting the agricultural community.