PRO*ACT Crop Update: Citrus squeeze a part of challenges out west
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Citrus squeeze a part of challenges out west
We’re still feeling the squeeze on small citrus, but carrots have become the next challenge out west. In a market where jumbos matter, harvest conditions have made it difficult to get the size and volume the market expects.
Across California’s Central Valley, repeated rain events and cooler temperatures have slowed harvest activity and limited field access. Saturated ground has kept crews out of some fields entirely, while others are being harvested cautiously to avoid equipment and quality issues. When the product is coming out, yields are lighter, and pack-outs are more variable.
Jumbo carrots remain the tightest piece of the puzzle. Fields that typically size up into jumbos have not had the conditions needed to finish, and some acreage is being left unharvested until ground conditions improve. Standard sizes are available but inconsistent, and dirt is showing up more frequently as crews work through marginal conditions.
Cello carrots have been particularly impacted after spending extended time in wet ground, and baby carrot programs are also seeing lighter yields. Growers are managing harvests day by day, balancing soil conditions, forecast and labor availability. This is not a supply issue that can be solved by increased demand.
Supplies from Mexico and Georgia are helping ease some of the pressure on the West Coast. While these regions cannot fully replace California volume, they are providing important coverage on certain packs and sizes, helping keep product moving while western harvests remain constrained.
Looking ahead, winter production in the Imperial Valley is expected to begin in mid-February, which should help stabilize supplies. Until then, availability will remain sensitive to harvest conditions, with jumbo carrots likely staying limited.
For now, supply remains tight, sizing is inconsistent, and flexibility will be key until additional acreage comes online and harvest activity normalizes.
Joey Piedimonte, sourcing manager at PRO*ACT LLC, leverages over a decade of produce industry experience to lead teams, manage key vendor relationships and simplify complex challenges. He is dedicated to growth, strong partnerships and supporting the agricultural community.
