PRO*ACT Crop Update: Salinas supplies improving
As we move into summer harvests, weather events will continue to impact supplies in the near term. The extreme heat across the upper Ohio Valley and the Northeast has shifted to the Southeast this week. Regional supplies from the various areas are set to ramp up production as we move into July. The heat will likely impact quality and supplies from these regions as harvests begin.
Tropical Storm Alberto barreled into northeast Mexico on June 20, becoming the first named storm system of the season. This large system brought substantial precipitation across Mexico causing mudslides and road closures as five to 10 inches of rain were reported in the central and northeastern Mexico growing regions. Many crops were in the line of fire, including tomatoes, Bell pepper, squash, eggplant, cucumber and hot peppers. Grower assessments are ongoing in the various regions impacted.
Tropical moisture will continue to stream into the central Mexico growing regions from the south bringing daily chances of precipitation through the week. Mexico has been impacted by severe drought, and these systems will bring much-needed rain to the entire region.
Avocado production from Mexico remains extremely light as U.S. and Mexican officials work through recent security challenges. The security protocols demanded by the U.S. embassy are complex and will take some time to implement. Rain has also disrupted harvests for the past couple of days as we enter Mexico’s rainy season. The rain will help to size up the fruit for the next crop.
Supplies from the Salinas Valley are gradually improving, but many crops remain ahead of schedule in the fields. Recent warmer temperatures will help; however, it will take some time to get back on schedule. Broccoli remains in light supply as strong demand continues and production from Mexico remains very light. Brussels sprouts are in light volumes as Mexico's production comes to an end.
California production in Oxnard and Santa Maria continues to have quality issues, including insect pressure, seeders and internal decay. Growers are entering fields early to meet demand and producing mainly small-sized sprouts. Salinas is set to add to the mix soon, which should help with overall supplies. Insect pressure is on the rise in the Salinas Valley and looks to continue to be a problem as we move through summer harvests. Lighter production from Mexico will shift demand to California supplies. Local/regional production should help depending on how these crops came through the recent heat.
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.
