This week’s prices for organic Valencia oranges have experienced a slight decline due to California oranges entering the market. While Uncle Matt’s Organic does compete directly with California, they concentrate their supply of produce closer to home. “Our marketing region is the Southeast United States,” states Mclean, “It’s a shorter shipping distance for us, and allows our produce to keep farm freshness.”
Currently, citrus trees in Florida are affected by greening disease which causes low fruit production. Although there are many scientists and growers researching this disease, they have not yet discovered a cure. “The citrus trees infected with greening drop a lot of fruit before it is ripe enough to harvest. Some of the fruit that remains may be misshapen and not have full flavor. The yield is greatly reduced. The trees are actually dying,” explains Mclean, “orange and tangerine trees seem to be more susceptible to this disease than other variety of citrus.”
Despite the end of the season, organic Valencia oranges are in high demand. Uncle Matt’s Organics plans to increase their volume of organic Valencia oranges grown next year to match supply with consumer demand. “Every orange we put on the market gets sold. If we had another 300 acres worth of oranges, those would sell too,” adds Mclean.
For more information please contact:
Susan Mclean
Uncle Matt’s Organic
Tel: 352.394.8737
Fax: 352.394.1003
info@unclematts.com
www.unclematts.com