PRO*ACT Crop Update: Lettuce supply issues
Numerous factors are contributing to the current Iceberg lettuce supply issues in California. Weather patterns have been the major culprit as cool temperatures along with a stubborn, deep marine layer, look to continue along the coastal valleys into early June.
Sclerotinia, mold, mildew and disease pressure continue to impact Romaine and Iceberg production with lighter yields as growers work through affected acreage. Iceberg production continues to show smaller head sizes with less solidity/density contributing to lighter carton weights. Growers reaching for supplies are entering these stands early to meet current demand, leaving less available acreage as harvests roll on.
Soft squash and bean production in Georgia was hit by heavy precipitation and strong winds over the past week or so causing some bloom drops and severely impacting production. Out west Sonora Mexico has ended squash production a bit early as the California desert regions begin light production. Domestic production from Central California (Santa Maria) and North Carolina is expected to begin harvesting in early June adding to overall squash supplies.
Another factor currently impacting overall supplies is the ongoing drought in Mexico. About 40 percent of the country’s dams are below 20 percent of capacity and another 40 percent are between 20 percent and 50 percent of capacity. Hot temperatures continue throughout the various regions as growers wait and pray for rainfall.
It has been a slow start to the rainy season, which typically runs from May through September. Growers are attempting to cut water use by picking heavy and ending harvest cycles early. With light overall production coming from Mexico demand has shifted to California for supplies. This will keep pressure on California supplies for the near term until the eastern states begin local and regional production in the next few weeks.
With over 30 years in the produce industry, Tim Lynch started as an inspector and advanced into quality control and food safety. Beyond work, he's an avid sports fan, relishing in activities like boating, fishing, and diving. Lynch attended Cal Poly SLO before making Marina his home since 1994.
