Author Archive
The Port of Philadelphia has long been the major port in the United States for the arrivals of imported produce and other items from around the world. 
Central American and Chilean imports are among the leaders.
Chilean table grapes and stone fruit are big items this time of the year. Despite economic conditions in the United States the port is reporting total imports at its facilities were up in 2011 over the previous year. Initial Chilean fruit imports apparently are causing optimism that 2012 could be even better.
Much of the fruit being unloaded off of boats arriving at the Port of Philadelphia are stored in local refrigerated warehouses, then delivered by truck to points primarily in the midwest, east and to eastern Canada. However, some arrivals at the Port of Philadelphia eventually are trucked to the West Coast when necessary.
Florida shipments for vegetables are continuing to improve as product continues to recover from an early January freeze. If Mother Nature doesn’t mess things up there should be gradual volume increases resulting in greater
shipments as vegetables move towards peak volume in April and May.
Increases in Florida shipments are occurring with bell peppers and squash. The hardest hit veggie apparently was with Belle Glade area green beans, causing frequent increases and decreases in shipments in the weeks ahead…..A milder winter than normal has been going on in the Southeast, including Georgia, where some partial veggies loads are available. Sometimes you do what you have to do to fill out that trailer — especially in the lighter volume winter months.
There’s also other items coming out of Flordia ranging from tomatoes, strawberries, oranges and grapefruit. However, use caution when loading these items with other produce. Make sure they are compatible, especially if they are going to be on the truck a couple of days or more.
Southern Florida vegetables – grossing about $2200 to Philadelphia.
By Larry Oscar
Sometimes in the heat of business deals or political campaigns the real truth about a persons character emerges. During the 2010 senatorial election in Massachusetts was an eye opener for those paying attention to details. While on the campaign trail Senator John Kerry, Martha Coakley, and “Mr. Potato Head” made a derogatory comment, and were ridiculing Scott Brown for driving a pickup truck. That speaks volumes about the character of those bozos.
I’ll have them know that trucks and truck drivers are the backbone of America.Why is it that people with a “superiority complex” character flaw aren’t smart enough to know when and where to keep their mouth shut? Just because you think you are superior doesn’t mean you have to let your brain fall out on the floor.
Now don’t get me wrong. Some people drive a truck in order to fill a character flaw of their own. I’ve seen some trucks that look like a Christmas tree going down the road. And some people drive the biggest truck they can find to make up for deficiencies in other areas, if you get my drift. But for the most part, trucks are one of the most practical vehicles you can own. At some point in time we all need something hauled. From furniture to horse manure, trucks can haul just about everything. There are some things that are truly American and one of those is definitely trucks.
Jesus drove a truck. Well, maybe not really, but if they had had trucks in his day I’m sure he would have driven one. What better way to haul around a bunch of disciples than in a pickup truck, extended or crew cab of course.
Driving a truck is not appealing to the elite because their character flaws would make them “feel” uncomfortable. People who put down trucks and truck drivers suffer from insecure anxiety. It doesn’t portray the image they crave. Driving a truck says that you are an individual who is not afraid to get your hands dirty and work. It speaks volumes about the truck driver’s character as well. Truck drivers are independent minded people who think for themselves and make their own decisions. Screw everyone else. Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common;
trucks are made to haul and/or tow burdensome loads. Trucks make a statement. They let the world know that the driver of this vehicles will do it by themselves without having to hire someone else to get the job done.
“Git -R-Done,” as Larry the Cable Guy would say. Trucks seem to last forever. They age like a fine wine. When you walk through a parking lot and you see an old truck, you stop and take note. They get noticed far more than a shiny new Cadillac. Old trucks tend to list to one side. They have battle scars on them and they almost always need a paint job. Some have only one eye left. They are often the subject of photographs and paintings. That’s because old trucks have character. What most of the so called “elite” don’t know is that more millionaires drive trucks than any other form of transportation. Trucks cross all social and economic barriers.
The love of trucks is what the rich and the poor have in common. Sam Walton drove his beloved old red and white Ford pickup truck up until the day he died. Truck drivers are modern day cowboys. They drive their loads down all of our nations highways and byways with a spirit of adventure. Many truck drivers are women. They are independent spirited and hard loving gals with a tendency to speak their mind.
I think women who drive trucks are hot! Give me a women with a Kenworth any day.
Most trucks have a lot of flags, signs, and bumper stickers on them. That’s because trucks are not formal. You can be yourself with a truck. They are like a good pair of old comfortable jeans. Over the years I have always felt sad about trading in my old truck for a new one. I never felt that way about any car I traded in, but I sure have about my truck. Trucks become your friend. Trucks are something that you can travel down the road and be at home at the same time.
When I was a young boy the fondest memories I have of by grandfather was riding in his black Ford pickup truck on his farm. That truck was far from the comfortable trucks we have today. When you rode in it you were surrounded by a large curved windshield. The truck sprang to life when running. You could hear all of the sounds the engine, gearbox, and suspension made. It smelled of fresh hay and chewing tobacco. When you rode in it at night the dash lights were just bright enough to barely make out the gauges. I often wonder what happened to that old truck.
So, if you want to improve the quality of your life, buy a truck. And just for fun drive it to Washington, D.C. for your summer vacation and say hi to truck driving Senator Scott Brown!
Potatoes are the fourth largest food crop grown in the world behind rice, corn and wheat. Most people think of Idaho when they consider potatoes — and 
rightfully so when it comes to russets. However, the Red River Valley, located on the borders of North Dakota and Minnesota are the leaders in red potato shipments.
If you haul produce, I wouldn’t suggest trying to get to the frozen tundra this time of the year. The folks are great, but the weather can be brutel. Besides, there’s no shortage of equipment to move the red potatoes. However, a friend of mine this week was in Fargo. You never know where the next load is going to take you sometimes.
The Red River Valley will be shipping red potatoes into the spring. Product is holding up well in storages. Most shipments are ususally to midwest and eastern markets.
Grand Forks, ND to Chicago – potatoes are grossing about $1800.
By Bill Martin
Whether it’s hauling produce, or sound equipment for country music stars, Robert Lawson loves the challenge.
Which is more challenging for Robert Lawson, hauling fresh produce or hauling sound gear for country music stars George Jones and John Anderson?
This Meansville, GA boy from the Deep South was attired in his finest New York outfit being a Giants fan and all psyched for Eli Manning and teammates to kick some New England Patriots butt in the Super Bowl only three days away (NY won 21-17). But we got Robert to shift his attention from the big game to tell why he likes to haul produce — and eventually share some interesting tidbits about Jones and Anderson.
Robert has been driving a truck since the late 1980s and currently works for Kennesaw Transportation Inc. of Atlanta. Over the years he’s hauled almost everything one can think of, but really enjoys the challenges associated with hauling fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, he had just delivered a load of Washington state apples to the Atlanta Farmers Market.
In no particular order, Robert cited several frustrations and challenges if you haul produce, although some are faced by most types of truckers.
*Language barriers. “There used to be signs on the walls that were printed in English and Spanish. Now those signs are in Spanish followed by English.”
*As a produce trucker, Robert said it is frustrating to arrive at a dock to pick up berries and other items and the pallets have already been sealed in modified atmosphere bags. The process is designed to perserve quality and extend the life of the product. The veteran driver prefers not only to be able to do a carton or tray count of the product being loaded, but also to check its quality.
“I can’t see the (bagged) produce when it is being loaded and it (the sealed bag) is not broke open until it arrives at destination,” he surmises.
But overall, Robert wouldn’t trade hauling produce for anything else. “When I haul produce it isn’t like hauling steel. You deliver it (produce) in good shape and you feel like you have done something.”
A primary concern is making sure the produce is stacked correctly on pallets and secured properly to the trailer. Otherwise shifting of the load may occur, resulting in damage to the product, and a possible claim at destination.
One of the biggest problems he faces is making sure you are not “shorted” on a load. “If I arrive at a produce house and I am supposed to pick up 880 cases of lettuce, then I find this guy (warehouseman) and I ask him how much product he’s loading, and I’m told 660 cases. I have got to get that amount changed on the bill of lading. Once you sign a bill of lading, you have got to deliver it from point A to Point B. I’ve actually seen a couple of guys arrested for delivering produce to somewhere besides what is stated on the bill.”
Robert, who drives a 2011 International conventional with a 10-speed tranny and 283-inch wheelbase, pulls a 53-foot long Utility trailer chilled by an Ingersoll Rand reefer unit.
Besides making sure there is a correct count for the load, Robert stresses the importance of maintaining proper temperature in the trailer. Particularily in the south where it is warmer, he says if you leave the rig unattended for a while, make sure the reefer unit doesn’t run out of fuel.
“It’s all on the driver; the proper count; the quality of the produce being loaded; the way it is secured and the way it is delivered,” he says. “You have to pay attention to all of these things.”
Now this is for those curious about his dealings with George Jones and John Anderson. Robert hauled sound equipment for both, but also acted as a body guard for Jones.
Robert described working for Jones as “an experience. I did it because it was challenging. I am not star struck.”
He recalls one time Jones had three concerts at Daytona Beach, FL occurring at the same time as a planned shuttle launch at nearby Cape Canaveral. Two of the shows were for dignitaries attending the launch, and the other performance was for fans. During the intermission of one of the shows, attendees went outside to watch the shuttle launch.
When Robert worked for John Anderson, he said the country star swas very personable. “John would say, ‘when I’m on that stage, I’m a star. But when I walk off that stage, I’m just one of the guys. I’m your friend. If you want to go fishing, we’ll go fishing.'”
Robert comes off as the consummate professional driver in a similar manner of his description of Anderson. “When I go to a produce house, I get to know the people there. It helps to avoid problems,” he concludes.
Looking to try something new to help fight the winter doldrums? Come mid-
February the Kanzi apple variety will be introduced to the United States. It is being grown in Washington state, but is established in Europe. In fact the Kanzi is the second largest produced apple across the big pond, after the Pink Lady variety.
It is a cross between the gala and braeburn varieties and has a sweet/tart taste.
If you haul produce during the winter months you know it can sometimes be a dicey proposition when it comes to weather adversely affecting perishable items. California reports freeze after freeze this winter, but so far has dodged the proverbial bullet for the most part.
There have been some losses of citrus, but you shouldn’t see that much difference in loading opportunties. Strawberries also have been sparred for the most part. With nearly 70 percent of the citrus remaining to be harvested, there will be ample loading opportunities in the months ahead. A mid January freeze is expected to cut navel orange shipments by about 10 percent, and the much smaller mandrins crop by about 20 percent.
As for strawberries, there will be fewer shipments out of Santa Maria for the next couple of weeks. Strawberries from the Oxnard district and further south in Orange County escapted freeze damage.
Southern California – citrus, strawberries grossing about $6000 to New York City.
PS – Yesterday (Feb. 2) I visited with a company driver in Atlanta who had just delivered a load of Washington state apples to the farmers market for $6250 going to the truck.
I’ve had plenty of disappointments buying fruit in the wintertime, but these fagile 
items just have a lot more obstacles to overcome, especially with a finicky Mother Nature. But I”ve got to say I’ve been pretty pleased with the winter strawberries and kiwifruit I’ve been purchasing.
Living here in Oklahoma I haven’t had any strawberries from California in a while, probably because of limited volume. However, I’ve been eating plenty of strawberries from Mexico. Latest brand is Fresh Kampo. I’ll give the brand a grade of B-plus. The Mexican berries have good color, quality, taste, and average size, plus have not had any break down for three days after purchase.
California is providing an excellent crop of kiwifruit now. Continues to be one of the best buys in the produce department, at least where I live — 3 kiwis for a buck. Happy shopping!
Loadings of potatoes from shipping points on Prince Edward Island in Eastern 
Canada are about 30 percent ahead of normal this season. Few spuds are shipped year around out of here, with most product finished by June. However, due to brisker than usual loadings, shipments will probably end weeks early than normal. This is primarily due to fewer potatoes and loadings originating from New Brunswick, as well from Aroostrock County, ME. Thus, buyers are ordering more potatoes from PEI.
Thirty years ago you could only get certain produce items at particular times 
of the year. This has gradually changed over time as countries around the world have started growing fruits and vegetables, improving varieties, increasing volumes and exporting to countries such as the United States.
In 2011 the leading suppliers of veggies to America were Mexico, which accounted for 58 percent of imports, Canada 27 percent and Peru three percent. The top countries providing us with fruit was Mexico 34 percent, Chile 20 percent and Costa Rica 11 percent.
In most cases if these countries were not providing us these perishables, these items would not be available at all, or least in much less limited supplies, which would greatly increase the costs we pay for them. Their growing seasons differ from ours.
There are some exceptions, with perhaps the most drastic being the tomatoes available to us from Florida in the winter, which compete against tomatoes coming out of Mexico. Over the years the Florida tomato industry has complained out Mexico undercutting them on price and flooding the market with excess supplies.
There is some truth in these claims. At the same time, you’ll find Florida providing your supermarket with mature green tomatoes, while the Mexicans are supplying us with vine ripe grown tomatoes and in more recent years have greatly increased their greenhouse grown tomato supplies.
Outside of the folks who grow mature green tomatoes in Florida, I find it difficult to find people who like the taste of these tomatoes, especially when compared to vine ripe and greenhouse grown products.
The Port of Philadelphia has long been the major port in the United States for the arrivals of imported produce and other items from around the world. Central American and Chilean imports are among the leaders.
Chilean table grapes and stone fruit are big items this time of the year. Despite economic conditions in the United States the port is reporting total imports at its facilities were up in 2011 over the previous year. Initial Chilean fruit imports apparently are causing optimism that 2012 could be even better.
Much of the fruit being unloaded off of boats arriving at the Port of Philadelphia are stored in local refrigerated warehouses, then delivered by truck to points primarily in the midwest, east and to eastern Canada. However, some arrivals at the Port of Philadelphia eventually are trucked to the West Coast when necessary.
Florida shipments for vegetables are continuing to improve as product continues to recover from an early January freeze. If Mother Nature doesn’t mess things up there should be gradual volume increases resulting in greater
shipments as vegetables move towards peak volume in April and May.
Increases in Florida shipments are occurring with bell peppers and squash. The hardest hit veggie apparently was with Belle Glade area green beans, causing frequent increases and decreases in shipments in the weeks ahead…..A milder winter than normal has been going on in the Southeast, including Georgia, where some partial veggies loads are available. Sometimes you do what you have to do to fill out that trailer — especially in the lighter volume winter months.
There’s also other items coming out of Flordia ranging from tomatoes, strawberries, oranges and grapefruit. However, use caution when loading these items with other produce. Make sure they are compatible, especially if they are going to be on the truck a couple of days or more.
Southern Florida vegetables – grossing about $2200 to Philadelphia.
By Larry Oscar
Sometimes in the heat of business deals or political campaigns the real truth about a persons character emerges. During the 2010 senatorial election in Massachusetts was an eye opener for those paying attention to details. While on the campaign trail Senator John Kerry, Martha Coakley, and “Mr. Potato Head” made a derogatory comment, and were ridiculing Scott Brown for driving a pickup truck. That speaks volumes about the character of those bozos.
I’ll have them know that trucks and truck drivers are the backbone of America.Why is it that people with a “superiority complex” character flaw aren’t smart enough to know when and where to keep their mouth shut? Just because you think you are superior doesn’t mean you have to let your brain fall out on the floor.
Now don’t get me wrong. Some people drive a truck in order to fill a character flaw of their own. I’ve seen some trucks that look like a Christmas tree going down the road. And some people drive the biggest truck they can find to make up for deficiencies in other areas, if you get my drift. But for the most part, trucks are one of the most practical vehicles you can own. At some point in time we all need something hauled. From furniture to horse manure, trucks can haul just about everything. There are some things that are truly American and one of those is definitely trucks.
Jesus drove a truck. Well, maybe not really, but if they had had trucks in his day I’m sure he would have driven one. What better way to haul around a bunch of disciples than in a pickup truck, extended or crew cab of course.
Driving a truck is not appealing to the elite because their character flaws would make them “feel” uncomfortable. People who put down trucks and truck drivers suffer from insecure anxiety. It doesn’t portray the image they crave. Driving a truck says that you are an individual who is not afraid to get your hands dirty and work. It speaks volumes about the truck driver’s character as well. Truck drivers are independent minded people who think for themselves and make their own decisions. Screw everyone else. Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common;
trucks are made to haul and/or tow burdensome loads. Trucks make a statement. They let the world know that the driver of this vehicles will do it by themselves without having to hire someone else to get the job done.
“Git -R-Done,” as Larry the Cable Guy would say. Trucks seem to last forever. They age like a fine wine. When you walk through a parking lot and you see an old truck, you stop and take note. They get noticed far more than a shiny new Cadillac. Old trucks tend to list to one side. They have battle scars on them and they almost always need a paint job. Some have only one eye left. They are often the subject of photographs and paintings. That’s because old trucks have character. What most of the so called “elite” don’t know is that more millionaires drive trucks than any other form of transportation. Trucks cross all social and economic barriers.
The love of trucks is what the rich and the poor have in common. Sam Walton drove his beloved old red and white Ford pickup truck up until the day he died. Truck drivers are modern day cowboys. They drive their loads down all of our nations highways and byways with a spirit of adventure. Many truck drivers are women. They are independent spirited and hard loving gals with a tendency to speak their mind.
I think women who drive trucks are hot! Give me a women with a Kenworth any day.
Most trucks have a lot of flags, signs, and bumper stickers on them. That’s because trucks are not formal. You can be yourself with a truck. They are like a good pair of old comfortable jeans. Over the years I have always felt sad about trading in my old truck for a new one. I never felt that way about any car I traded in, but I sure have about my truck. Trucks become your friend. Trucks are something that you can travel down the road and be at home at the same time.
When I was a young boy the fondest memories I have of by grandfather was riding in his black Ford pickup truck on his farm. That truck was far from the comfortable trucks we have today. When you rode in it you were surrounded by a large curved windshield. The truck sprang to life when running. You could hear all of the sounds the engine, gearbox, and suspension made. It smelled of fresh hay and chewing tobacco. When you rode in it at night the dash lights were just bright enough to barely make out the gauges. I often wonder what happened to that old truck.
So, if you want to improve the quality of your life, buy a truck. And just for fun drive it to Washington, D.C. for your summer vacation and say hi to truck driving Senator Scott Brown!
Potatoes are the fourth largest food crop grown in the world behind rice, corn and wheat. Most people think of Idaho when they consider potatoes — and rightfully so when it comes to russets. However, the Red River Valley, located on the borders of North Dakota and Minnesota are the leaders in red potato shipments.
If you haul produce, I wouldn’t suggest trying to get to the frozen tundra this time of the year. The folks are great, but the weather can be brutel. Besides, there’s no shortage of equipment to move the red potatoes. However, a friend of mine this week was in Fargo. You never know where the next load is going to take you sometimes.
The Red River Valley will be shipping red potatoes into the spring. Product is holding up well in storages. Most shipments are ususally to midwest and eastern markets.
Grand Forks, ND to Chicago – potatoes are grossing about $1800.
By Bill Martin
Whether it’s hauling produce, or sound equipment for country music stars, Robert Lawson loves the challenge.
Which is more challenging for Robert Lawson, hauling fresh produce or hauling sound gear for country music stars George Jones and John Anderson?
This Meansville, GA boy from the Deep South was attired in his finest New York outfit being a Giants fan and all psyched for Eli Manning and teammates to kick some New England Patriots butt in the Super Bowl only three days away (NY won 21-17). But we got Robert to shift his attention from the big game to tell why he likes to haul produce — and eventually share some interesting tidbits about Jones and Anderson.
Robert has been driving a truck since the late 1980s and currently works for Kennesaw Transportation Inc. of Atlanta. Over the years he’s hauled almost everything one can think of, but really enjoys the challenges associated with hauling fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, he had just delivered a load of Washington state apples to the Atlanta Farmers Market.
In no particular order, Robert cited several frustrations and challenges if you haul produce, although some are faced by most types of truckers.
*Language barriers. “There used to be signs on the walls that were printed in English and Spanish. Now those signs are in Spanish followed by English.”
*As a produce trucker, Robert said it is frustrating to arrive at a dock to pick up berries and other items and the pallets have already been sealed in modified atmosphere bags. The process is designed to perserve quality and extend the life of the product. The veteran driver prefers not only to be able to do a carton or tray count of the product being loaded, but also to check its quality.
“I can’t see the (bagged) produce when it is being loaded and it (the sealed bag) is not broke open until it arrives at destination,” he surmises.
But overall, Robert wouldn’t trade hauling produce for anything else. “When I haul produce it isn’t like hauling steel. You deliver it (produce) in good shape and you feel like you have done something.”
A primary concern is making sure the produce is stacked correctly on pallets and secured properly to the trailer. Otherwise shifting of the load may occur, resulting in damage to the product, and a possible claim at destination.
One of the biggest problems he faces is making sure you are not “shorted” on a load. “If I arrive at a produce house and I am supposed to pick up 880 cases of lettuce, then I find this guy (warehouseman) and I ask him how much product he’s loading, and I’m told 660 cases. I have got to get that amount changed on the bill of lading. Once you sign a bill of lading, you have got to deliver it from point A to Point B. I’ve actually seen a couple of guys arrested for delivering produce to somewhere besides what is stated on the bill.”
Robert, who drives a 2011 International conventional with a 10-speed tranny and 283-inch wheelbase, pulls a 53-foot long Utility trailer chilled by an Ingersoll Rand reefer unit.
Besides making sure there is a correct count for the load, Robert stresses the importance of maintaining proper temperature in the trailer. Particularily in the south where it is warmer, he says if you leave the rig unattended for a while, make sure the reefer unit doesn’t run out of fuel.
“It’s all on the driver; the proper count; the quality of the produce being loaded; the way it is secured and the way it is delivered,” he says. “You have to pay attention to all of these things.”
Now this is for those curious about his dealings with George Jones and John Anderson. Robert hauled sound equipment for both, but also acted as a body guard for Jones.
Robert described working for Jones as “an experience. I did it because it was challenging. I am not star struck.”
He recalls one time Jones had three concerts at Daytona Beach, FL occurring at the same time as a planned shuttle launch at nearby Cape Canaveral. Two of the shows were for dignitaries attending the launch, and the other performance was for fans. During the intermission of one of the shows, attendees went outside to watch the shuttle launch.
When Robert worked for John Anderson, he said the country star swas very personable. “John would say, ‘when I’m on that stage, I’m a star. But when I walk off that stage, I’m just one of the guys. I’m your friend. If you want to go fishing, we’ll go fishing.'”
Robert comes off as the consummate professional driver in a similar manner of his description of Anderson. “When I go to a produce house, I get to know the people there. It helps to avoid problems,” he concludes.
Looking to try something new to help fight the winter doldrums? Come mid-February the Kanzi apple variety will be introduced to the United States. It is being grown in Washington state, but is established in Europe. In fact the Kanzi is the second largest produced apple across the big pond, after the Pink Lady variety.
It is a cross between the gala and braeburn varieties and has a sweet/tart taste.
If you haul produce during the winter months you know it can sometimes be a dicey proposition when it comes to weather adversely affecting perishable items. California reports freeze after freeze this winter, but so far has dodged the proverbial bullet for the most part.
There have been some losses of citrus, but you shouldn’t see that much difference in loading opportunties. Strawberries also have been sparred for the most part. With nearly 70 percent of the citrus remaining to be harvested, there will be ample loading opportunities in the months ahead. A mid January freeze is expected to cut navel orange shipments by about 10 percent, and the much smaller mandrins crop by about 20 percent.
As for strawberries, there will be fewer shipments out of Santa Maria for the next couple of weeks. Strawberries from the Oxnard district and further south in Orange County escapted freeze damage.
Southern California – citrus, strawberries grossing about $6000 to New York City.
PS – Yesterday (Feb. 2) I visited with a company driver in Atlanta who had just delivered a load of Washington state apples to the farmers market for $6250 going to the truck.
I’ve had plenty of disappointments buying fruit in the wintertime, but these fagile items just have a lot more obstacles to overcome, especially with a finicky Mother Nature. But I”ve got to say I’ve been pretty pleased with the winter strawberries and kiwifruit I’ve been purchasing.
Living here in Oklahoma I haven’t had any strawberries from California in a while, probably because of limited volume. However, I’ve been eating plenty of strawberries from Mexico. Latest brand is Fresh Kampo. I’ll give the brand a grade of B-plus. The Mexican berries have good color, quality, taste, and average size, plus have not had any break down for three days after purchase.
California is providing an excellent crop of kiwifruit now. Continues to be one of the best buys in the produce department, at least where I live — 3 kiwis for a buck. Happy shopping!
Loadings of potatoes from shipping points on Prince Edward Island in Eastern Canada are about 30 percent ahead of normal this season. Few spuds are shipped year around out of here, with most product finished by June. However, due to brisker than usual loadings, shipments will probably end weeks early than normal. This is primarily due to fewer potatoes and loadings originating from New Brunswick, as well from Aroostrock County, ME. Thus, buyers are ordering more potatoes from PEI.
Thirty years ago you could only get certain produce items at particular times of the year. This has gradually changed over time as countries around the world have started growing fruits and vegetables, improving varieties, increasing volumes and exporting to countries such as the United States.
In 2011 the leading suppliers of veggies to America were Mexico, which accounted for 58 percent of imports, Canada 27 percent and Peru three percent. The top countries providing us with fruit was Mexico 34 percent, Chile 20 percent and Costa Rica 11 percent.
In most cases if these countries were not providing us these perishables, these items would not be available at all, or least in much less limited supplies, which would greatly increase the costs we pay for them. Their growing seasons differ from ours.
There are some exceptions, with perhaps the most drastic being the tomatoes available to us from Florida in the winter, which compete against tomatoes coming out of Mexico. Over the years the Florida tomato industry has complained out Mexico undercutting them on price and flooding the market with excess supplies.
There is some truth in these claims. At the same time, you’ll find Florida providing your supermarket with mature green tomatoes, while the Mexicans are supplying us with vine ripe grown tomatoes and in more recent years have greatly increased their greenhouse grown tomato supplies.
Outside of the folks who grow mature green tomatoes in Florida, I find it difficult to find people who like the taste of these tomatoes, especially when compared to vine ripe and greenhouse grown products.