Here’s a look at loading opportunities with New York apples, Florida blueberries, plus citrus and artichokes from California.
New York apple shipments have been steady from week to week shipments for the most part. The Empire state has between 550 and 600 primary apple growers that produce an average of 29.5 to 30 million bushels a season. That average is nudging up over time as orchards become more productive.
Florida Blueberry Shipments
A very limited amount of Florida blueberry shipments are underway, but due to an excessively warm winter, volume is expected to be much lower this season. Florida has about 8,000 acres of blueberries and is the first state to ship the fruit each year. It is closely followed by Georgia blueberry shipments. Georgia has about 25,000 acres of blueberries, with the harvest starting in a few weeks. We’ll provide more information on Georgia “blues” as it becomes available.
Central Florida berries, veggies – grossing about $2100 to New York City; Southern Florida potatoes and melons, about $2500 to New York City.
California Artichoke Shipments
Ocean Mist Farms of Castroville, CA is entering the peak season for its artichoke shipments. Peak loadings should continue through May. Ocean Mist is the largest grower shipper of the product.
California Orange Shipments
Navel orange shipments out of the San Joaquin Valley should be about 10 to 15 percent higher than originally estimated. The harvest is about 50 percent completed and shipments have been steady.
San Joaquin Valley oranges, kiwifruit and carrots – grossing about $4400 to Atlanta.