The lingering effects of heavy rain in New Jersey have kept zucchini volumes low. In addition to the complications in harvesting the rain brought, abundant moisture has spread a disease that has also hurt supplies.“Phytophthora is always in the soil,” explained Tom Sheppard of Eastern Fresh Growers, “but it's aggravated in wet conditions. If there's too much rain, it will spread more easily.” Lots of moisture has created good conditions for the spread of the disease, which can affect the quality of zucchini even after it's harvested. As a result, volumes, which came down in June, continue to be low and prices have remained strong.
“I'd say 50 percent of production has been affected,” said Sheppard. “Prices are usually around $10.00 a carton around this time of year, and now they're closer to $15.00 per carton.” But, barring more heavy rain, fields will dry out and production should pick up.
“The crop coming up now should be better,” said Sheppard. “Volumes will improve sometime in August, and, more than likely, prices will come down.”
For more information:
Tom Sheppard
Eastern Fresh Growers
+1 856 447 3563