After a season last year where broccoli supplies were limited by the weather, growers in Maine anticipate better volume this year.Emily Smith, a partner at Smith's Farm in Presque Isle, Maine, noted that this year's weather is much better than last year's. That's one of the reasons she believes this year's harvest will bring more volume.
“We had an abundance of rain last year, so the weather was not good,” she said. With better growing conditions this season, she also anticipates good quality, though she added that much about the season still depends on the weather going forward.
The market price is tied, to a large extent, to how the California season goes, though Smith thinks prices are good for now. That's a good sign for Maine, and going forward, she said the start of the season is being eagerly anticipated.
“People are looking forward to the Maine production season,” she said. “When we start, it's closer to home for the east coast.”
Harvesting should begin within two weeks and typically lasts through October.