The spinach season is expected to make a smooth transition as it approaches the end of the desert season and is set to begin the Californian coastal season. In fact, both are in production now to various degrees, but the bulk of production will shift in the next couple of weeks. Growers are not too concerned at this stage about forecast rain in California.
"We have a number of regions in spinach production now," said Dave Johnson of Gold Coast Pack. "Oxnard and Santa Maria have started in the coastal region, and we still have Yuma and El Centro in the desert region which should be finishing in about 10 days. Right now, we have about 80% production in the desert, and 20% in the coastal region, but we expect that to switch over in the next couple of weeks."
"The transition to the Coast is expected to be smooth despite the cooler weather lately," he continued. "There have been no issues so far in terms of supply. Even though rain is expected, unless it's torrential, we don't foresee any problems moving forward."
Desert will finish early
Because of the warmer winter season, spinach production surged ahead of schedule. Suppliers noted that the end of the desert season is usually dependent on when the hot weather starts, but this year, spring has been unseasonably cool and the season is only finishing due to the crops being ahead.
"The Yuma deal is definitely finishing earlier this season," Johnson observed. "The end of the desert season is generally dictated by temperatures, when it gets too hot for ideal spinach production. However, this year it is because of the warmer than average Winter which sped up the schedule. Conversely, spring has so far been much cooler than average. However, there are not a lot of growers who plant late crops due to the risk of losing them to excess heat. Right now, temperatures are still in the 70s, which is ideal and as a result, we are seeing high quality product."
Market holding steady
The market right now is being affected by multiple factors. The transition of seasons is here, the desert is finishing early, and East Coast demand is flat due to weather. All in all, the market is balanced and prices are remaining steady.
"The market has been okay, in the $8.00 - $11.00 range," Johnson said. "We expect this price to hold for now. The East Coast has been getting hammered with storms which weakens demand. Such weather would normally dictate a correction, however with the transition going very smoothly in California, supplies are such that the market is holding well."
"It's a good time of year for spinach," he added. "Conditions are generally dry and we don't see that coastal fog that can affect quality at other times of the year. So right now, with the desert still cool and the coast also seeing favorable conditions, spinach quality is very good."
For more information:
Dave Johnson
Gold Coast Pack
Tel: +1 (805) 928-2593