Harvesting of onions began in the Pacific Northwest this month, and growers are still not sure how high temperatures will affect this year's crop. Production is good right now, but it's too early to tell if steady supplies will continue throughout the season.“The heat has taken a toll on size a little bit,” said Shawn Hartley of Utah Onions, “but besides that, quality has been good.” Supplies are at normal levels, and though prices were higher earlier this month, the market has adjusted to more steady supplies.
On August 19, prices for a 50-pound sack of jumbo yellow onions were between $8.00 and $10.00 out of Washington and Oregon. Prices for a sack of white jumbo onions were between $12.00 and $14.00, and prices for a 25-pound sack of red globe-type onions were between $9.00 and $10.00. Whether prices remain at current levels depends on how volumes pan out later this year.
“If the heat takes a bigger hit on the crop than we thought, then there might be a boost in the market because of lighter supplies,” said Hartley. “We don't know what it's going to be like, so we just have to wait and see.”
For more information:
Shawn Hartley
Utah Onions, Inc.
+1 801 773 0630