Green bean field harvesting started last week in Ontario. "To date, we haven't had any adverse weather in growing–beans are very susceptible to weather adversity, and that can have a big impact on the bean supply," says Jim Veri of Exeter Produce & Storage Co.
© Exeter ProduceJimmy Dietrich, field manager of bean operations for Exeter Produce in the field.
Heading into the summer, Veri says this year's crop is an average one for the province. "I don't foresee any supply gaps," he says, adding that harvest started Wednesday, which is average timing for the crop. Harvest generally goes until mid-October.
Along with Ontario, there is industry production in the U.S. in states such as Tennessee.
As for demand for beans and pricing, that too is weather-dependent, given that weather events can cause issues with supply and spur stronger demand and pricing.
© Exeter Produce
"We like to get the beans in here, get the heat out of them as quickly, put them down the line and then out the door," Veri says.
Technological upgrades
For Exeter Produce, it recently invested in several upgrades in its packing house for beans, field bell peppers, and more. Three years ago, the company installed photo optic and laser grading, which has significantly helped its packing line. This is on top of the mechanical picking the grower already does. "We also have a precooling facility where product is precooled, treated with ozone, and graded. We like to get them in here, get the heat out of them as quickly, put them down the line, and then out the door," Veri says.
© Exeter Produce
Veri says this year's crop is an average one for the province. "I don't foresee any supply gaps."
Two weeks ago, the company also installed an AI system, taking its packing line from a 12-camera grading system to a 40-camera AI system. This will be used this year on the bell pepper line.
For more information:
Jim Veri
Exeter Produce & Storage Co.
Tel: +1 (519) 235-0141
[email protected]
https://www.exeterproduce.com/
