CROP REPORT
Summer 2008

California
Water has become the major problem in the Central Valley. We experienced good rainfall throughout California up through February. The March, April and May rainfall totals in the valley were non-existent. As a result, the Sacramento Valley and the San Joaquin Valley experienced well below average rainfall. The Sierra snowpack depth was 35% below average, and the reduction of water allotments to growers has had an impact on the decisions by growers of what crops to produce. Presently, growers and environmentalists are in the midst of legal haggling regarding needed additional water resources, and courts are still working out the legal aspects about growers receiving additional water.

Broccoli
Production in California began in mid-February. Volumes were limited to a few select contracted specialty items. The pack has concluded and our budget requirements for domestic broccoli pack were met. Seed has been delivered to the green house for our fall run of broccoli.

Spinach
Another record crop was planted for processing at Patterson.

Although we did experience a slight delay due to saturated fields from the early rainfall, we were able to start in the Southern San Joaquin Valley and progress north as the fields dried out. Quality and volume were consistently good throughout the pack. The final week of production took place at the end of June. The quality of the spring pack was excellent.

Spinach seed for the fall pack has been planted.

Greens
Collards will start in middle of July. The fields are in very good shape.

All indications are pointing toward an excellent pack on greens.

Zucchini and Yellow Squash
The current pack has been excellent for green and yellow squash. Demand for select styles of Crinkle, Smooth and Bias Whole Sliced Zucchini and Squash are growing rapidly. Success with new hybrid varieties of long, uniform squash have improved size control in the field and, in turn, resulted in a very good finished product at the plant.

Lima Beans
Planting of seed for baby, fordhook, and Dixie lima beans has been completed. The total acreage dedicated by growers to Lima Beans has decreased substantially due to water concerns. Currently fields look excellent at this point with strong sets on all.

Harvest will start the first week of August and proceed through late September.

Tomatoes
Both red and green tomatoes will be available from our new pack by the end of the month. The crop is coming along well, with above average yields anticipated.

Demand for tomatoes in blends, breading, pizza toppings and specialty deli items are now driving the sales and pack volume up each year. The tomato pack at this time looks very good. We run both IQF conventional and organic styles.

Peppers
As pepper use continues to climb, we have increased our commitment to satisfy demand. Stir Fry Blends and Fajita Mixes lead the way as this popular capsicum contributes as a flavorful ingredient and colorful plate display.

Planting of green, yellow and red bells is completed.

Harvesting on the greens will commence middle of August.

Brussels Sprouts
Our grower has finished transplanting for the fall pack.

Harvesting should begin the last week of September or first week of October.

Though consumption is level on this mini cabbage, our inventories are very low going into the middle of this summer. Our Santa Cruz growers expect an excellent crop this year.