Arizona leafy greens now in season
To celebrate the start of harvest, Arizona growers and shippers are celebrating the 12th annual Arizona Leafy Greens Month. Since the first celebration, Arizona farmers have produced more than 100 billion servings of lettuce (based on the average production of 9 billion servings per year).
Arizona is known as the winter lettuce capital of the U.S., providing Americans with an abundance of lettuce and leafy greens from November to March. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics Arizona farmers grow approximately 25 percent of the total U.S. lettuce supply each year. On an annual basis the leafy greens farming community in Arizona generates a $2 billion impact.
“Right now, Arizona farms are actively growing and harvesting some types of leafy greens including spinach, kale, arugula, spring mix, Swiss chard and Romaine lettuce,” said Teressa Lopez, administrator of the Arizona LGMA program. “Arizona LGMA food-safety audits will begin the week of Nov. 18 and continue regularly throughout our growing season.”
Throughout November, Arizona LGMA is partnering with Yuma Safe Produce Council to celebrate through a variety of outreach activities. The two organizations will have a booth at the Yuma Farmer’s Market on Saturday, Nov. 23. And on social media, Welcome to Arizona will help drive awareness of Arizona’s contributions to the food supply. Farmer influencer Jon Dinsmore will share the farming aspect of Arizona leafy greens, and Ramiro Ruiz Jr. (Ram628) will help to share his perspective as a harvest machinery mechanic. The celebration also includes contests and giveaways on Instagram and Facebook.
