Vegetable growers in Quebec are currently in their planting season, adding that most vegetables are now in the ground. With spring bringing persistently cool and rainy conditions, most plantings have been slightly delayed, but with the warmer weather this past weekend, the fields are now well set up for the upcoming season.
"We are just about to finish the first planting right now," shared Christiane Bégin of Western Harvest. "Radish bunches are now kicking in and Cello radishes will be ready at the beginning in mid-June. The rest is mostly in the ground already including lettuce, celery, green onions and other vegetables. Temperatures have been cool and there has been plenty of rain so the season is a little later than normal. However spring is just kicking in now and we are expecting a good season ahead as long as Mother Nature cooperates!"
Strong radish market expected
With radishes expected to be the first of the summer crops to be harvested, suppliers are looking ahead to what they can expect for the market. So far, supplies are looking short across the US with Florida having a few issues with rain and other regions such as Michigan also running late. Meanwhile, the winter crops like those in Arizona are rapidly finishing up, leaving an open market for Quebec.
"We are expecting a good market for radishes when they begin," Bégin observed. "Florida has had rain and other regions are also struggling, so the market is a little short right now. For the other commodities, we are also looking forward to a great season ahead."
Exporting to the US
Western Harvest is located south of Montreal and just 15 minutes from the United States border. The company has been in operation since 1993, representing growers in the region and specializing in exports to the United States.
"We represent over 25 growers in Quebec, covering all the major vegetable products," Bégin said. "Around 95 percent of our business is exporting to major food chains, wholesalers and markets in the United States. We have a sister company in Quebec that serves Canada as well."
For more information:
Christiane Bégin
Western Harvest
Ph: +1 (450) 826-3125
[email protected]
www.wharvest.ca