Yesterday and Today

Shawn Grant, president of Grant Stanton Produce Company, Inc., which specializes in mushrooms and berries, as well as some tropicals, has been feeling the effects of the almost continual rains back in May. “Overall, we were hoping May would be better, instead we had all this rain causing a slow start to the season.”

Sharrino, too, felt the impact of the torrential rains “from the end of June through the Fourth of July” when he says the sun rarely made an appearance. Such weather was not exactly ideal for the important rush surrounding the celebration of American independence—a holiday near and dear to the heart of Boston.

In the end, however, this is nothing new for any of Boston’s merchants, nor the grower-shippers who supply them throughout Massachusetts and the East Coast. “The weather,” Grant explained, “is unpredictable, but that’s just part of the business.”

Other Obstacles
Hand in hand with weather come unwanted pests and diseases that can affect crops. Although Massachusetts growers were put on notice that some invasive pests were found in the state by USDA officials, there were no major infestations or major crop losses materially affecting fruit or vegetable growers. Even the dreaded stink bug was nearly nonexistent after its rampage a few years ago.

Apart from weather concerns, when asked about other challenges like the labor shortages plaguing other parts of the country, Cavallaro said John Cerasuolo Company was fortunate so far this year to have few problems or major concerns. The same was true at Grant Stanton. Patrick Burke of Garden Fresh Salad Company Inc. noted another challenge this year were shortages in popular herbs like parsley and cilantro, as well as squash (both green and yellow) and sweet corn. Although shortages can drive up demand and price—seemingly beneficial to suppliers, vendors still feel the squeeze when it comes to sourcing good quality product at a reasonable price.