Harvesting of strawberries in Santa Maria, California will be minimal for the rest of this week. "Our grower says they are still supplementing with Mexican fruit and likely to do so until the end of the week," says Cathy Gomez of Markon. "They expect to be at full capacity in Santa Maria starting next week."
Photo: Markon
This update on strawberry production in Santa Maria follows recent rains in the region. The company reports that the area saw two inches of rain last week. In turn, that development canceled harvesting in the Santa Maria/Oxnard growing regions from Sunday through to Tuesday of this week, with harvesting resuming yesterday.
Quality concerns ahead
The company also reports that the quality on strawberries will be a challenge following this weather event, with concerns including excessive bruising and pin rot.
Photo: Markon
As for the demand for strawberries, it exceeds the supply in all California growing regions.
For more information:
Cathy Gomez
Markon Cooperative
cathyg@markon.com
www.markon.com