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Blueberries
Oregon:
Our late-season varieties continue to be performing very well, and the organic crop is plentiful. As previously reported, we expect to see volume slowly decline through the week of October 5th; however, it’s a long way down from the current volume we are in now. Overall, quality is good. We are still seeing residual effects from the heat a few weeks ago with the occasional soft berries.
Mexico:
Blueberries from Mexico are in an upward trend, beginning with light volume. The bushes are loaded with green fruit, and quality of the first picks are very good. We are all looking forward to a great season ahead.
South America:
We just received our first container of Peruvian fruit on the East Coast and the quality is great. The weather in Peru has been ideal, and the blueberries are benefitting from this by showing ideal quality specs.
Strawberries
Watsonville- Salinas:
The coastal fog stuck around all this week, with even cooler temperatures than the last. We anticipate a warmer weekend with highs in the mid-80s and then steady mid-70s for next week. As long as it doesn’t get hotter than what is reported, we do not expect any issues as a result. Crews are, however, still working through low-grade fruit from the heatwave a few weeks ago. Every day is getting better, but the plants were heat stunned and new growth has been stalled out as a result. Quality is improving, but reports of overripe, dark, soft and some decay is still being seen. Crop Counts: Conventional: 20-24.
Santa Maria:
Weather patterns have been like the Monterey Bay, although temperatures will warm up this weekend into the mid-90s. Spring Crop quality remains good, with some bruising leftover from the heatwave – crews are working hard to clean up the plants and keep low-grade fruit out of the packs. Fall Crop: These young plants are strong and showing lots of flowers and green fruit. We anticipate a steady and strong supply from Santa Maria, as we move into the Fall season. Crop counts vary widely from ranch to ranch due to age of plants and effects from the heatwave: Conventional: 18-22; Organic: 28-32 / 14-16.
Raspberries
Watsonville-Salinas:
We are entering peak volumes for raspberries out of Watsonville. Quality is good with great color. Still working through some soft and overripe fruit, but are doing a good job of keeping the packs clean.
Mexico:
Volume out of Mexico will continue to rise rapidly this month, and quality remains very good.
Blackberries
Watsonville-Salinas:
Overall, quality is good for the blackberries, and we expect volumes to be steady from this region throughout September.
For up-to-date weather conditions in all of our growing regions, click on the region below. Wunderground.com is our go-to weather resource for fast and reliable weather updates.
In lieu of cancelled in-person fundraising events due to COVID-19, California Giant Berry Farms has launched an online platform to help financially support non-profit organizations in the greater Pajaro Valley area that actively work to better the livelihood of its community’s members.
Each year, California Giant hosts various fundraising events within the company as well as within the community, including its annual Skirt Steak BBQ. Due to the coronavirus pandemic which has put restrictions on in-person events, California Giant has organized an online platform to overcome this year’s unprecedented challenges while continuing to give back to the community.
Please consider donating to this worthwhile cause. Learn more here: https://promos.calgiant.com/california-giant-spreading-smiles
