California Cantaloupe Advisory Board Says Growers Looking Forward to Safe, Slightly Later Crop; Garrett Patricio Shares
DINUBA, CA - With heavy rainfalls throughout California this winter providing some drought relief, the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board (CCAB) is reporting that the season will be slightly delayed due to the wet conditions holding up plantings. However, growers anticipate promotable volumes from the Golden State for Memorial Day Weekend.
“In short, we know the beginning of California cantaloupe season will be approximately two weeks later than normal this year,” said Garrett Patricio of Westside Produce and Chairman of the CCAB. “We’ll provide updates on the San Joaquin Valley harvest timing as harvest gets closer but, for now, we are not expecting major delays. Importantly, we want to remind everyone the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board operates a robust, mandatory food safety program that involves government audits of all cantaloupe farmers, packing facilities, and cold storage operations.”
Despite rains, the state’s cantaloupe-producing districts did not experience flooding that impacted other regions, a release explained. Additionally, California’s cantaloupe fields had not yet been planted at the time of the heaviest rainfalls, further minimizing impacts.
California cantaloupe growers are currently reporting that southern growing districts of the Imperial Valley saw the most delay. Peak supplies are now expected throughout the month of June.
Cantaloupe plantings in the major San Joaquin Valley growing regions were also slightly impacted by wet fields. However, this is not expected to significantly delay the harvest of cantaloupe on the west side of California, which should peak in mid-July as normal.
CCAB and California growers have invested heavily in food safety research over the last 20 years and have adopted growing systems that keep irrigation water from coming in contact with cantaloupes in the field. With these practices in place, the organization expects a safe season for the state’s cantaloupe despite the increased rainfall.
“Like all produce, it’s important that only safe water is used to grow cantaloupes. Our program includes mandatory water tests which meet or exceed what is expected when final federal water requirements under FSMA are approved,” added Patricio. “We want to ensure our customers that flooded fields have not been an issue for us this year, even with the heavy rains.”
For more crop updates from the produce industry, keep reading ANUK.
