Some Western states are taking drastic measures to address the water crisis. Water restrictions are going to be inevitable and people’s habits on water use will have to be addressed. This is going to affect the growing regions in California and Arizona primarily, but other Western states will also face similar issues. There is even talk about paying farmers not to farm or restrict certain crops from being planted in the future.
The one thing that we have learned in the past about the produce industry is that they are very resilient and adapt to change. They will make the necessary changes to keep going and keep American agriculture moving. There is no doubt this will impact farmers, people and even animals. We need to take better care of our water and land because our lives depend on it.
Movement of blueberries through Oregon and Washington is expected about the same. Trading remains moderate with prices slightly higher. Prices on flats 12 1-pint cups with lids medium-large are mostly 17.50-19.50 and 12 6-ounce cups mostly 11.00-13.50. Quality is generally good. Blueberries out of Michigan movement is expected to decrease seasonally as some growers have finished for the season. Trading is moderate with prices slightly higher. Wide range in quality.
Crossings of blueberries from British Columbia Canada through Northwest Washington are expected to decrease slightly. Trading is also moderate with prices slightly higher. All sales are reported in U.S. dollars. Peru imports through various West Coast ports of entry movement is expected to increase as harvesting also increases. Trading is fairly active for light supplies. Quality is being reported as mostly good. Peru imports through various East Coast ports of entry movement is expected to increase as harvesting increases with more growers.