PRO*ACT Crop Update: Western harvests increasing
High pressure remains in place out West, keeping storm systems to the north and bringing warmer temperatures to the Southwest into next week. In the desert regions, hot temperatures look to continue next week as just a few late-season supplies remain.
Quality in the desert regions continues to be a challenge with the hot temperatures affecting quality, texture and shelf life as the season quickly winds down. Processed items will continue to see an increase in discoloration and breakdown showing up in the bag affecting quality and shelf life. The Huron region of Central California will also finish up production in the next week or so with the limited supplies. Growers continue to combat insect pressure (small files, gnats) with warm temperatures. These tiny pests are very difficult to remove at harvest as they tend to accumulate at the base of the plant.
The Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard regions will continue to increase harvests weekly in the nice weather pattern with generally good quality reported in these harvests.
Some good news came on the tariff front this week as the Trump administration has confirmed that tariffs under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) including produce will not be implemented as fresh produce from Canada and Mexico will not be affected. Unfortunately many other produce items — including avocados, bananas, beans, pineapple, melons and herbs — from Central America and other countries will be subject to tariffs.
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. Originally from Hollywood, California, Tim attended Cal Poly SLO before making Marina his home since 1994.
