Two weeks ago, hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, significantly impacting the fresh produce industry. While it may take weeks or months for the full extent of the impact to be known, some of the immediate effects are evident. "We were in the midst of the strawberry planting season when Milton made landfall, "says Matthew Giddings with Always Fresh Farms. About 30 percent of the company's plantings were done and plants were in the ground when Milton hit. It caused some flash flooding and also ripped out much of the plastic that covers the beds. "As a result, we had to fix the strawberry beds and re-do the plastic. This was a very time-consuming and expensive exercise," Giddings commented.
The remaining 70 percent of plants are going in the ground right now. All in all, it makes for a late start to the deal. "In a good year, harvest season usually starts up around Thanksgiving and will run until late March or early April." Right now, it is difficult to say when harvest is expected to start. "While it's speculating, a late start might result in more strawberries available for Valentine's Day," said Giddings. Overall, he expects the slow start to result in a season that is more consolidated rather than spread out.
West coast production
In addition to Florida, Always Fresh Farms has strawberry programs in Santa Maria and Watsonville, California. For the very first time this year, the company will also have strawberry deals in Oxnard and Baja, California. "The plantings in these two regions are now getting completed," said Giddings. The company's West Coast program is being expanded for two reasons. "First of all, it is a way to secure supply. We want to hedge against anything that could happen, like a late-season hurricane." In addition, these additional growing regions will allow the company to offer West Coast strawberries year-round. "It will be a year-round program in a small, but meaningful way, we believe."
For more information:
Matthew Giddings
Always Fresh Farms
Tel: (+1) 863-401-3404
[email protected]
www.alwaysfresh.com