As Florida’s tomato industry begins to rebound, the headlines coming out of Florida are “not all is lost”. Tomato growers in Florida are moving forward after Hurricane Ian’s aftermath. Even though central Florida took the brunt of the storm, replanting has begun, and the weather is looking favorable. Volume is expected to get back to normal towards the end of the year to early next year. Farmers expect for quality and sizing to improve as the season gets fully underway. As a result, tomato markets are expected to be higher than normal when compared to previous years.
According to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services, Florida growers shipped an estimated 608 million pounds of tomatoes in 2021, up from 596 million pounds in 2020. Tomato revenues bring billions of dollars to the state and create thousands of jobs in the farming industry. Crop losses are estimated between 10% to 15% with no specific breakdown available, according to Florida Department of Agriculture. This year’s revenues are expected to be down due to damage caused by the storms.
Peru imports of blueberries through Philadelphia and New York City area ports of entry are expected to decrease as few growers are finished for the season that is past its peak. Trading moderate with prices higher. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 14.00-16.00, 6-ounce large mostly 12.00-14.00. Quality variable. Movement of blueberries through Arizona, California and Texas is expected to increase. Trading early moderate, late slow. Prices generally unchanged. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids large mostly 8.00-10.00. Quality variable. Peru imports of blueberries through Southern California ports of entry movement expected to decrease as few growers are finished for the season that is past its peak. Trading moderate with prices higher. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 13.00-18.00. Quality variable.
Movement of avocado crossing from Mexico through Texas is expected to remain about the same. Trading fairly slow with prices lower. Cartons 2-layer Hass 32-36s mostly 24.25-25.25 and 40-48s mostly 23.25-25.25. Extra services included.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov