A pervasive heatwave in the Western U.S. has affected the produce industry, destroying crops and decreasing the supply of select fruit and vegetable items, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A grower in California noted that some of his lettuce leaves are turning brown and even melting as a result of the heatwave. To combat the lower-quality items that do make it to shelves, supermarkets are giving less shelf space to produce with discolorations or burns, and other stores are greatly discounting these items. Production of produce items from the East coast and Midwest are also being favored above the West coast.
Growers of vegetables said that the intense heat could be impacting the lettuce disease rate that has been seen hitting highs recently. According to produce growers, researchers, and trade groups, high temperatures can facilitate pythium wilt and impatiens necrotic spot virus, according to the report.
“The crop is under stress when it’s hot,” said Christopher Valadez, president of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. “That makes plants more vulnerable to infection.”
These issues, coupled with other weather-related hurdles causing specific crop seasons to shorten, like cherry, and watermelon, have contributed to higher product costs for grocers, and a decelerated sales volume.
Produce quality decreases can affect other food items as well. For example, the lettuce supply is strained and more expensive. VP of produce operations at Karns Foods, Doug Diffenderfer, noted that this will affect the purchase of dressing, tomatoes, and other salad items as well. Full Story (Subscription Required)
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