Georgia produce shipments play an important role, particularly this time of the year, as it supplies a significant amount of fruit and vegetables, especially to the eastern half of the country. Here is a run down on current and coming loading opportunities from Georgia.
Before getting started, let it be said that Georgia has joined much of the nation with some disruptive weather that has delayed normal starts in shipping and is continuing to result in supply gaps where more product will be available for loading some weeks more than others. In general, a lot of the volume that would usually be available in May has been pushed back into June. With few exceptions volume will be lighter this season.
Bell Peppers and Cukes
In central and southern Georgia, bell pepper shipments will not have significant volume until June. Cucumber shipments initially start this week, with better volume coming at the end of May. Both items should be available through June.
Squash, Cabbage and Eggplant
Squash loadings recently started, but too many plants have been lost to cold and excessive rains. Volume will be down significantly this year. Cabbage shipments also are underway, but no big crop here. Georgia epplant faces a similar situation.
Sweet Corn and Green Beans
Sweet corn shipments, as well as green bean shipments should be in better shape than previously mentioned vegetables. Beans have already started, with sweet corn getting underway in late May.
Vidalia Onion Shipments
Most shipments of Vidalia sweet onions started April 21st or later. While volume has been increasing in May, June will provide peak loading opportunities.
Blueberry Shipments
Georgia blueberries have been underway for three to four weeks and are now moving in good volume. However, no huge crop is seen.
Peaches and Watermelons
Early Georiga peaches were hit hard by freezing weather. Very limited loadings will be occurring into mid June, when volume starts improving. However, serious shipments will not come until July.
Georgia watermelon shipments start in a limited way in mid June. With the late start melon loadings should continue into mid July, instead of the Fourth of July.
Vidalia onions – grossing about $3500 to New York City.
Georgia mixed vegetables – about $2700 to New York City.