Florida vegetables experienced strong markets leading up to the holidays. However, with December 25 and January 1 both falling in the middle of the week, business wasn't great these past two weeks. "I am confident the markets will firm up again by the end of this week," says Geoff Taft with Pioneer Growers. Once back up, he is hopeful the markets will stay strong and steady in the near future. "We're not seeing crazy volumes on any of our vegetables and therefore, we hope for consistency for the duration of the Belle Glade season, one of the main vegetable growing regions in Florida."
Currently, sweet corn is still being harvested in Belle Glade. Other vegetable items like endive, broccoli, radish, cilantro, parsley, escarole and Romaine lettuce are starting up now. For most of these items, the season finishes at the end of March or early April, but leaf items will continue through April and the beginning of May. In addition, sweet corn harvest is starting up in Homestead this week. "Our Homestead growers are just getting going and we expect fairly steady supplies for the next few months." While consistent supply is expected, the company is closely watching the cool fronts that are coming through right now.
With regards to sweet corn, Pioneer Growers is having a lot of success with its packaged corn program. "This time of year, many retailers choose not to offer sweet corn in bulk. However, they are all asking for packaged corn. The trays have provided us with very good business up until now."
For more information:
Geoff Taft
Pioneer Growers
Tel: +1 (561) 996-5211
[email protected]
www.pioneergrowers.com