“Our Georgia crops began around about two weeks later than normal this year,” said,” said Jimmy Myrick, vice president of Edward L. Myrick Produce in Andersonville, GA. “We will start on May 15 with squash and beans, but things may speed up a little depending on the weather. The crops, we’re happy to report, are all in good condition.”

Mr. Myrick added that the region got a lot of moisture that slowed the growth of the crops, but the company was fortunately spared any hail damage that affected some other growers in Georgia.

“Now it’s dry,” he noted in mid-April, “and we are irrigating. So things are now looking good.”

Jimmy MyrickMr. Myrick is the second generation to work in the family firm, which was founded by his father, Edward L. Myrick, in 1974, who continues as an active participant in the daily operations. The company grows bell peppers, hot peppers, summer squash, beans, corn and cucumbers. It produces the majority of fresh produce handled by Edward L. Myrick, and it also represents Minor Produce Inc., a major farmer in Georgia.

“Edward L. Myrick runs product from Georgia from May through July, and from September through November,” said Mr. Myrick. “Minor Produce is the farming company, and we act as its sales agent. We also have several other farmers growing in partnerships with us. Overall, we handle about 1,500 acres in Georgia, most of which is beans and cucumbers.”

Florida crops move through the company’s Pompano Beach, FL, office from November through June. It also functions as a broker by representing several small farmers. Its Florida and Georgia lines are mostly of dry vegetables. Consolidation is an important service that the firm offers today.

Mr. Myrick said that green bean consumption continues to increase.

“I think this is primarily due to current health and nutritional trends,” he said. “That combined with the better job that everyone — from seed companies to retailers — are doing today at promoting green beans, is also helping to increase consumption.”

Today the company is well-known in the industry for its “Bayview” brand. Edward Myrick worked for the South Carolina farmer who used the name in the late 1970s. The company dissolved in 1989, leaving the label to become obsolete. Edward L. Myrick purchased it in the late 1990s. The label’s history is an integral part of what makes it interesting and notable to customers.

The company also sells pole cucumbers from Honduras, a program that has been going on for the past 10 years. It uses its “Monty” brand for the cucumbers and for its pepper line, also produced in Honduras during its growing season.

Mr. Myrick said that the Honduras deal is very strong and it continues to grow with each year.

“Winter squashes are also doing very well from Honduras,” said Mr. Myrick. “We increase our volumes as the demand dictates.”

Edward L. Myrick ships from Pompano Beach and Plant City, FL, and from Leslie, GA.