Specialty crops grower-shippers are increasingly voicing concern over rising petroleum prices. These costs affect the industry not only through high freight rates for transporting produce to markets, but also through dramatic price increases for fertilizers and plastic packaging.
Truck drivers are less willing to accept long haul routes when they have the alternative of providing deliveries to consumers within their local area.
Mexican blueberry crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas movement expected to increase slightly. Trading was moderate early and slow later. Prices were slightly lower due to softening market caused by increased volumes from Chile. Current production is out of Jalisco with northern Sinaloa expected to begin packing by mid to late March.
Movement of Chilean blueberries via boat through the various East Coast and West Coast ports of entry is expected to decrease as the season is past its peak and quality issues are developing. Trading on east coast ports of entry was fairly slow at lower prices. Trading of supplies entering the west coast ports was moderate at lower prices.
Cucumber movement from Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona is expected about the same. Trading moderate with prices on carton 24-36s slightly higher and others much higher. Quality is reported as variable. Movement of Mexican cucumber crossings through Texas is expected about the same. Trading was moderate early and fairly active later with prices higher to much higher.
Most present shipments are from prior bookings or previous commitments, and quality is reported as variable. Shipments of cucumbers via boat out of Central America into South Florida ports expected to decrease slightly and remain sporadic as vessel and container delays continue to affect movement.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov