TOMATOES
Roma supply will remain light with all local crops just getting started and full production still 2 weeks off in all of the Eastern growing regions. Mexican supply and quality is steady.
No changes on the round tomatoes. The supply will fluctuate over the next couple weeks as the older crops get finished up and the new supply picks up throughout the Eastern growing regions. Western supply has been pretty steady with good quality, but typically slows down in late July. Market has been steady but will rise some over the next few weeks of transition.
Local crops are going to start ramping up this week. Older crops have all finished up and the Mexican supply is much lighter than usual. Market remains very high but will start to drop with more growers starting in the East.
VEGETABLES
Squash production will be a little slower this week. High temperatures last week caused some bloom drop, which is expected to reduce yields in the next 2 weeks. We do have a new block starting at the end of the week, which should help overall supply.
Cucumber production has slowed some due to last week’s high temperatures. Mexico supply has also eased, putting some pressure on the market. We have started harvesting in North Carolina, and Michigan is beginning to pick as well, which should help keep market conditions fairly stable.
Bean supply will remain fairly tight. High heat has reduced yields across the eastern growing regions. We are hoping cooler weather this week in North Carolina and Virginia will improve growing conditions and boost production next week. Michigan is expected to begin harvesting within the next week, which should help ease market conditions. As long as the heat doesn’t persist, we expect supply to gradually improve over the next couple of weeks.
Bell pepper remains firm. Our North Carolina farms are picking well with good quality, but overall supply is still not enough to soften the market. Expect the market to remain firm until Michigan begins harvesting in the next 1–2 weeks, bringing additional supply.
