Rain delays California strawberry harvest

Markon Cooperative {{BB #:123315}} released this crop update December 2, 2022:

Santa Maria and Oxnard, California have received 0.50”- 0.75” of rain over the past 24 hours. Another storm is forecast for tonight December 2 through Sunday December 4.

Strong markets are expected in all growing areas through the month of December.

Santa Maria, California

-Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available

-Suppliers are assessing rain damage this afternoon

-No harvesting is expected Friday through Sunday of this week

-The industry is in a demand-exceeds-supply situation

-Quality in remaining fruit will be challenged; concerns include excessive bruising and pin rot

Oxnard, California

-Suppliers are assessing rain damage this afternoon

-No harvesting is expected Friday through Sunday of this week

-The industry is in a demand-exceeds-supply situation

-Quality will be challenged following the rain; concerns include excessive bruising and pin rot

Central Mexico (Loading in South Texas)

-Mexican production is increasing

-The industry is in a demand-exceeds-supply situation

-Mexican fruit is being used to supplement the California shortage at this time

-Quality is good; white shoulders and occasional overripening are issues

Florida

-Production has started in a limited manner

-Harvesting will increase over time and is expected to reach its peak by mid-December

-Early quality is good; expect small to medium fruit size

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.