Weather has affected quality
“This year, insect pressure and quality have been our biggest issues. Given that our farm is 100 percent organic we don’t spray synthetic chemical pesticides to kill insects”, Vilhauer said. Lakeside fights insects by putting predatory insects out in the fields that eat the bad bugs. “Insects typically attack weaker plants and this season, we are dealing with a higher share of damaged plants than normal. This is caused by adverse weather conditions during the early part of winter, when the chard plants were still small.” Rain, wind and cold weather damaged the leaves.
Increased acreage
“Everything we pack has to meet our quality standards and damaged leaves do not make it into the carton”, Vilhauer said. “Therefore, we have less supply of chard this season.” However, there is still enough availability in the market as chard acreage has increased significantly in recent years. “Many people grow it in their backyard these days.” Vilhauer recognizes that California offers the largest growing season of all US states and allows for year-round supply. “We are in a good spot to grow chard right now as a big part of the country is frozen”, he said.
At the moment, the price of chard is low, but demand usually picks up in spring. “Our food retail and wholesale customers usually get excited once we make the transition into Watsonville and supplies become more abundant.” They put more chard on the shelves.
Lakeside Organic Gardens grows three types of chard: green, red and rainbow. Chard is distributed across all 50 states as well as Western Canada. In addition, the company grows, field-packs and ships about 45 other types of vegetables year-round. All produce is grown organically and within the state of California. The farm is family-owned and operated.
For more information:
Kyle Vilhauer
Lakeside Organic Gardens
Kyle@lakesideorganic.com
www.lakesideorganic.com