An unusually warm winter in the Pacific Northwest has resulted in lighter rhubarb volumes this year. Although acreage has steadily increased over the past few years, yields have not kept pace.
“Rhubarb plants need a strong, cold jolt for the plants to grow,” explained Amy Nguyen of Dragonberry Produce in Canby, Oregon. “Plants really need one or two months of really cold weather for them to become dormant and rest, so when it's warm, like it was this winter, there's not as much energy for the crown to push out.” She estimates that production this season could be down by about 25 percent when compared to typical volumes.
As a result of this year's lighter crop, prices have been high. On May 11, prices for a 20-pound carton of rhubarb were between $25.50 and $30.00 out of the Oregon and Washington Coast Districts. Nguyen expects prices to remain at current levels for a while.
Increasing demand, diminishing yields
Nguyen explained that acreage dedicated to rhubarb has increased in the Pacific Northwest over the last several years. As the commodity has become more popular, more growers have planted it. But weather in the area has not made it easy for growers to increase volumes.
“Unfortunately, the weather has been changing in the region, so, while there are more growers, tonnage hasn't increased,” said Nguyen. “Acreage has increased, but yields haven't.” Mild winters also don't kill off as many pests as normal winters do, so a larger pest presence affects production and makes it harder for growers to accurately forecast yields.
“The weather has been a blessing for those of us who live here, but it's a bad thing for the plants,” said Nguyen. “It's been a different kind of year in terms of weather, and not many growers have seen this.”
For more information:
Amy Nguyen
Dragonberry Produce
+1 503 263 8888