Edward Myrick launching Georgia broccoli program this fall
When April comes around, it means it’s time for Pompano Beach, FL-based Edward L. Myrick Produce to turn its attention to Georgia, where the company represents Leslie, GA-based Minor Brothers Produce, producers of the popular Bay View brand green beans.
“We have been selling product in Georgia since 1994 and our partnership with Minor Brothers Farms has always been an important part of our company’s year-round supply of produce,” said Jimmy Myrick, vice president of Edward L. Myrick Produce. “The thing about Georgia is there is so many different types of soil. There’s muckland, sand, clay and it lends itself to lots of different commodities.”
The Minor Brothers partnership has been going strong for close to three decades, which Myrick attributes to the two parties working well together, working through issues and coming to positive solutions together.
Georgia is the main focus of Myrick from now until July 1, with Vidalia onions starting up in April, followed by beans, cucumbers and squash. Those represent Myrick’ three biggest crops in Georgia, with approximately 1,800 acres devoted to the trio in total. Other items the company deals in include eggplant, peppers, cabbage, hot peppers and onions.
“It’s our seasonal operation in Georgia and we do a lot of the same things we do in Florida,” Myrick said. “It helps our supply chain and lets us be a year-round supplier. As we get done in Central North Florida, we move to Georgia, and then around July 1, we move up to Michigan. So, it fills that hole in the supply chain and fits well for what we do.”
This year, Edward L. Myrick Produce is going to offer broccoli from Georgia for the first time. Minor Farms is putting in an ice machine now and grew a little bit of broccoli this spring as a test, and come later this year, will go into full production.
“We’re diversifying some of our crops to give us a little bit broader base of products,” Myrick said. “It also extends our season a little bit because broccoli goes into November and maybe even December, and it starts earlier in the spring. It’s also possibly a stepping-stone for some more items and a different product line.”
In 2023, the company has enjoyed decent prices for the most part as it works though its Florida crops and barring any major weather problems, Myrick is optimistic about the spring and summer.
In Georgia, there’s a big network of farmers who talk a lot and collaborate on ideas, with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association getting farmers together and Myrick feels this is a great thing for the state.
“For the farms in Georgia, the biggest challenges we’re facing are increasing costs,” Myrick said. “The cost of fertilizer is up. The cost of boxes is up. That’s definitely the biggest problem for farmers right now.”
Edward L. Myrick Produce services everything from chain stores to food banks to wholesalers, all over the continental U.S., Canada and the Bahamas, and it relies on Georgia crops to help it keep it customers fully stocked all year long.
Photo: Jerry Myrick, Ed Myrick and Jimmy Myrick.
