Growers are readying for the strong demand that meets the start of the Mexican organic eggplant season.
Organic eggplant production in Mexico begins October 10th. Photo: Fair Trade USA
“Eggplant gets a lot of attention when we start. We are going to start on October 10th. Every year I try to push it because there’s pretty strong demand by the end of September. But the rains can cause problems if you get in too early,” says Oscar Trujillo of Bridges Organic Produce based in Portland, OR.
This season, planting happened the first week of August. “We’ve got more acreage this season. There’s more shade house plantings and we’re growing Italian eggplant--the Barcelona and Night Shadow varieties,” says Trujillo.
Bridges has added more shade house acreage this season on eggplant.
Grading standards
The first crop is planted in Hermosillo and then Bridges and its partner grower, Rico Farms, moves to Culiacán and then it’s back to Hermacillo in the spring, making for approximately nine months of production on its twin line of first and second grade eggplant. “On the second grade, some of our customers use them as number ones, especially when the market is tight. The quality standards for the Mexican product are often higher than the domestic grade,” says Trujillo.
Bridges carries Italian eggplant--more specifically, the Barcelona and Night Shadow varieties. Photo: Fair Trade USA
This increased acreage comes at a time in the industry when pandemic-related challenges continue, albeit it more subtle ones over the labor and transportation issues most of the industry seems to be contending with. “Generally people are overwhelmed right now and have no time to be creative. They’re trying to keep the shelves full so the morale isn’t always that great. The vibe is still ‘Let’s try and get through this’,” says Trujillo. “But Bridges and Rico have a solid infrastructure so we have clients covered.” Additionally, all the farms are certified Fair Trade, which provides extra support for the workers at farm level.
For more information:
Oscar Trujillo
Bridges Produce
Tel: +1 (520) 761-1977
oscar@bridgesproduce.com
www.bridgesproduce.com