In the wake of an National Weather Service warning of imminent heat waves with temperatures that will exceed 110°F in some parts in California for a prolonged time, shippers and growers discuss the effects on a variety of products.

Strawberries On Tuesday, California Strawberry Commission issued a warning about high temperatures for a number of California areas that produce strawberries.

“We are currently picking strawberries at Santa Maria. We are fortunate that our fields are located along the coastline which means we get this coastal breeze and cooler temperatures than the fields in the interior,” said Cindy Jewell from Bobalu. The harvest timetable for the grower-shipper begins before dawn and they will also implement methods to prevent heat in order to safeguard the employees.

“This heat will be longer than what it usually will. The usual timeframe is about three to four days. However, the forecast for this is 10-to-12 days that I’ve never heard of before.” states Steve Johnston of G.W. Palmer & Co. Inc.

In the case of the berries the month of June is already warmer than average. “We’re in the lengthiest summer day, and it’s the time to notice problems in the strawberry,” he says. “The they’re medium-sized currently and suffering from bruising ahead of us getting into the heat that will last for a long time. It’s going be tough to bring a quality one once we’re into the middle.”

The result increases the demand for strawberries and the pressure will increase for shippers to increase the price. The current price is around $12 to $14, with a few shippers who charge more. “Retail will be very high, and the it will be of low quality,” says Johnston.

In terms of demand, the hot weather could boost the demand during the July 4th holiday as well as beyond, even though it’s not typically an extremely popular strawberry-related holiday. “When temperatures are warm there is a tendency for people to eat the fruits,” says Johnston.

Yesterday yesterday, the California Strawberry Commission issued a warning about high temperatures for a number of California areas that produce strawberries. Photo: G.W. Palmer & Co.

Avocados “The California avocado harvest was taking place at high speed prior to the time frame for supply during July 4th We do not expect the summer heat to affect production of avocados in California,” says Terry Splane Vice President of marketing at the California Avocado Commission. “In general, avocados that are grown locally in California are more tolerant of sunny, mild days. The majority of the regions that are growing them will be experiencing temperatures of between 80 and 90 degrees region. Some areas have a forecast is currently averaging 100 degrees. This means that there will be some days during Thanksgiving when the growers aren’t picking.”

In terms of the amount of demand, Splane says it usually is a little slower following major holidays, but not much. “We’re looking forward to no unexpected increase in temperatures or spikes in temperature than predicted. The growing season for sustainable California avocados will extend into the month of August.”

Demand is expected to be strong for grapes during this week. Image: The Grapery

grapes A heat wave should not have an effect on the supply of grapes. “We’re nearing veraison and the grapes are considerably more resistant to extreme temperature,” says Jim Beagle of Grapery. “With all the investment we’ve made into irrigation and technological systems such as rootstocks, trellis, and trellis systems for our vineyards, they are more able to withstand heat than before.”

The heat in the United States is likely to boost fresh produce prices, particularly in the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday. He also expects an extremely strong market for grapes throughout this week.

vegetables: “The coming heat storm is unlikely to impact us much as we’ll close our season next week and before we experience prolonged temperatures,” says Derek Vaughn of Johnston Farms. “Most all of our summer potato and peppers that are grown in Kern County will finish next week, therefore I’m not expecting that much harm to the tiny amount remaining in the soil.”

at Babe Farms, Brad Kuhlman states that the hot weather will be an obstacle for growers because of the increased transpiration rate of plants. “We’re determined to remain in the loop with our irrigation system in order to minimize damages to our sensitive crop varieties. We’re hopeful we can ensure that the Coastal influence will help to reduce the impact of the heatwave,” Kuhlman adds.

Another area to consider is excessive production. “Hot conditions can accelerate production, and we could need to alter our harvest timetable and be on top of the sales department regarding any increase in weekly volumes,” says Kuhlman.

In Baloian Farms, it’s currently collecting and packing fresh green bell peppers and soft squash, eggplant along with red onion of the San Joaquin Valley and it is scheduled to start harvesting red peppers in the valley shortly. Although some temperatures of 100deg+ in the summer months has been witnessed, it’s the ongoing temperature of 110deg or more in the coming 10 days that’s the issue.

Baloian Farms is currently harvesting and packaging fresh green bell peppers. Photo: Baloian Farms

“The temperature will impact the quality and production of peppers. Peppers may experience issues related to sunburn. If the peppers are exposed to sunlight, spots form and can cause problems with the skin on the outside of the peppers,” says Jay Angulo from Baloian Farms. “Also when the peppers are heated peppers are susceptible to developing calcium deficiencies, which means that the plant defends itself from energy loss by the pepper. It can also lead to the sunburn-like spotting that occurs. Long-term exposure to extreme temperatures can make the pepper soft, causing shrinkage.”

If the product is found to have these kinds of flaws, it is a sign that it needs to be packed into a #2-sized box, or it may not be able to pack in the first place. It can impact the quantity of products available, and cause shortages.

The focus is also at the field workers. The case is for Baloian the crews of its may only be permitted to work half days. “We are required to withdraw off the teams early due to their safety and health. The field work itself isn’t easy because it’s. Being in temperatures of 110 degrees only makes it more difficult,” says Angulo.

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Cindy Jewell

Bobalu Berries

www.bobaluberries.com

Steve Johnston

G.W. Palmer & Co., Inc.

http://www.gwpalmer.net/

Marji Morrow

California Avocado Commission

www.californiaavocado.com

Jim Beagle

Grapery

www.grapery.biz

Derek Vaughn

Johnston Farms

www.johnstonfarms.com

Brad Kuhlman

Babe Farms, Inc.

https://www.babefarms.com/

Jay Angulo

Baloian Farms

www.baloianfarms.com