TOMATOES
Florida production continues to be very inconsistent and newer plantings are not yielding expected volume. Western quality is much better out of Sonora crops but volume is not very heavy. Older crops are finishing with very poor quality and market has jumped back up as a result.
With new plantings not starting with better production out West for a couple more weeks the pressure remains on the Florida crops. Older fields are finishing up down South and quality is just fair while new Spring crops are not in full consistent supply yet. Market is tight.
The older fields are still scrapping through with minimal volume, smaller size, and just fair quality from both Florida and Mexico. New crops have begun and quality looks good. Market has strengthened some but should level out and remain steady for the next few weeks.
VEGETABLES
Squash in South Florida will continue wind down. Quality and yields in central Florida is still hurt from high winds and rain a week ago. There should start to see some improvement next week. Our North Florida farm started over the weekend and quality is very nice. Mexico supply will remain low, after quitting fields due to the low market. Georgia will slowly get started over the next couple of weeks. With most of Florida and Georgia getting into new fields. That should help take some of the pressure off market.
Cucumber quality was hurt in Florida from high winds and rain over a week ago. Mexico remains hit or miss with new and old fields picking. Georgia will get started mid May. We expect the market to remain firm at least until the end of the month.
Bean quality is good, but supply will weaken for the next couple of weeks as we begin to transition from Florida to Georgia. We will start in Georgia early May 4th-6th. Expect the market to strengthen a little until Georgia gets started, but not gaps are anticipated.
Bell Pepper quality is improving after high winds and rain throughout Florida. Most pepper is crown pick, so itss sizing JBO and XXL. Mexico supply is improving as they get into their spring crops, however Mexican quality is typically hit or miss this time of the year. With supply and quality improving we do not expect the market to strengthen.
