The radish season in South Florida has seen an early end as rain has made harvesting the remainder of the crop difficult. Yields during the season were close to average, until recently when supplies have tapered off considerably.
"With all the rain in South Florida in recent weeks, we have had a difficult time harvesting what is left in the fields," noted Geoff Taft of Pioneer Growers. "Normally, the season finishes at the end of May, but it's been very wet and in the last few weeks we've only managed to harvest about once a week. Some growers were able to stretch it out longer, but some including us, have had up to 3 inches of rain in the fields."
Transition to Ohio, Michigan soon
With the South Florida crop finishing up, the transition to the northern growing regions in the United States has begun prematurely. There is a hope that the gap will not be so severe, with predictions of a slightly earlier-than-normal start in Ohio and Michigan. Quality in the Florida crop has remained consistent up until recently.
"The quality has been great from the start of the season in November right through to the beginning of May, with mixed quality as we reach the end of the season," Taft said. "Shortly, we will transition to the north were some growers have said they may get started by the end of next week. We're hoping that they will have a very good upcoming season."
Prices starting to climb
Growers are predicting that radish prices will likely rise, given the unexpected gap from the early finish in Florida. The market has been fairly steady throughout the season, but has already risen in anticipation of the impending gap in supply.
"For most of the year, prices have been steady around the $8.00 mark," Taft observed. "Right now, they are between $10.00 - $12.00 because of the shortage of supply."
Taft noted that there has not been much change in regards to radish packaging, as the root vegetable is still mainly sold in bulk. "It's pretty much the status quo when it comes to radish," he said, "We sell the 6oz., 16oz., and 16oz. re-sealable cello packs, as well as 1lb bags, and the 25lb and 40lb bulk bags. This has remained consistent for a long time."
For more information:
Geoff Taft
Pioneer Growers
Tel: +1 (561) 996-5211