WEATHER UPDATE
Gradual warming out west this week in front of another weak low-pressure system expected late Friday. The slow-moving system will bring a chance of light showers and drizzle across many of the coastal fields over the weekend. High pressure returns with steady warming next week. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible across Central Mexico this week with generally light precipitation expected. Seasonably warm temperatures continue to the north with dry conditions expected. A surge of tropical moisture moves into Florida from the south on Thursday with moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms gradually decreasing by Saturday. Warm and humid conditions with little or no rain to follow into mid-week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks have tightened up slightly now that we have transitioned back up to Salinas. Rates have increased as well. Washington apple trucks are steady. Idaho potato and onion trucks remain steady as well. The national average on diesel is up slightly again this week and is currently at 3.169 per gallon. California prices surpassed the 4.00 mark and are currently at 4.035 per gallon. Crude oil prices remained steady and are currently at 63.57 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Grapes (Green): Quality is a challenge on the remaining import fruit.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Cantaloupe market remains red hot as we are winding down on the offshore season. Domestic fruit is about 2 weeks out form hitting the market.
Onions: Expect some translucency and light sprouting in Northwest onions
Tomatoes (Western): An effective date of May 7, 2019 has been set to terminate the current U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Tomato Suspension Agreement from 2013 unless the United States and Mexico can come to a new agreement where both parties agree to renew operating terms and enforcement procedure, strengthening anti-dumping measures for tomato imports into the United States. As of this week, no new agreement has been made, resulting in the proposal of duties and tariffs being imposed on imports ranging between 17%- 40% by July, however it is unclear what that means for the costs of imports as soon as next week.
TRANSITIONS & TEMPERATURES
Grapes (Green): New harvest is expect to start late next week in Mexico.
Grapes (Red): New harvest is expected to start next week in Mexico.
Berries (Strawberries): The transition from Oxnard to the Salinas and Watsonville areas has been completed. There are now mixed berries available in these areas .
