It has been unseasonably warm in Florida, which has been good for winter shipments of bell peppers, squash and other vegetables from Immokalee. Consistent loadings are continuing as south Florida transitions from shipments to winter shipments.
Earlier than normal loadings are predicted for watermelons coming out of south Florida. Shipment normally starting in mid to late April could get under this year as early as March 10, the earliest ever.
As for Florida blueberries, if warm weather continues, loadings could start one to two weeks early — around the end of March.”
CITRUS
The outlook isn’t near a good if you haul Florida citrus. Volume is decreasing primarily because of the dry weather and a disease called greening. More fruit is falling to the ground before harvest, which means less citrus — in some cases 20 or 30 percent is being picked than last year.
Florida citrus shipments have been describedhe as the worst in 40 years, with the only comparison be the last major freeze which too place in 1989.
STRAWBERRIES
Meanwhile Florida strawberries from the Plant City area seem to basking in the sun. Strong shipments are expected to continues with the peak harvest well underway.
South Florida produce – grossing about $2400 to New York City.