An otherwise relatively some California grape growing season was disrupted in mid-October when an unusually strong storm crossed key production areas from Bakersfield to Visalia.
Between 20 and 30mm of rain fell over two days, prompting California grape growers to cover vineyards with protective plastic.
Pandol Brothers, California grower, shipper and importer based in Delano, reported nearly all vineyards have plastic covering ready to be pulled on in case of rain. However, this was an unusually strong storm for October, but it shouldn’t be a problem for most growers.
Some others expressed less optimism. One California grape exporter noted that many vineyards appeared to be uncovered and added that even protected blocks could see increased disease pressure from moisture rising back up from the soil.
The storm also resulted several shippers halting ocean exports to Asian markets, opting to rely solely on air freight to avoid the risk of claims or rejected fruit on arrivals.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.