RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – There’s never a dull moment in the produce industry, and certainly not now as we move through the first part of 2018. In light of the recent ELD challenges, I caught up with Val Verde Vegetable Co.’s President Frank Schuster to find out more on how the company is faring this season.

“We have been touched by the sudden and drastic increased freight rates,” Frank tells me. “Annually, we would see an increase in freight rates during the holidays. This year, however, the tightness in truck supply was exacerbated by the new regulations for E-Log. Some of our preholiday rates doubled for the East Coast and even then, trucks were not to be had. Now, after the holidays, rates have backed off some, but are still 30 percent higher than before.”

And while the holiday ELD regulations continue to affect the company, Frank also shares that Val Verde is experiencing a good growing season, with cauliflower thriving and cabbage and greens in high demand.

“We have been preoccupied with the below average temperatures for our growing season. The last two winters we have seen above average temperatures, which brought our crops on faster than expected. Cauliflower, a very temperature sensitive crop, had difficulties adjusting last year, but the cool temperatures this season have given us the perfect growing conditions. This year’s cauliflower is outstanding, generating many repeat orders.”

However, the weather hasn’t impacted all crops the same. With weather affecting both the Rio Grande Valley and other regions, Val Verde’s cabbage and greens are in much demand. But both varieties have matured much slower than expected, with demand exceeding supply, which Frank notes is quite the opposite from last year.

Val Verde is also working on expanding its organic program by transitioning acreage and bettering the program.

“This season, our organic program has expanded 50 percent. We are working on transitioning additional acreage, as we have seen more demand for Texas organics,” Frank tells me. “After climbing the learning curve, we are pleased with our program. Organic green and red kale; Lacinato kale; cilantro; green, red, and rainbow Swiss chard; and red and golden beets are a solid part of our offerings, and we are continuing to expand our knowledge into other organic crops.”

2018 is off to a busy start, and while some challenges from last year are still being faced, Val Verde is certain the upcoming year will include more wins, with organics on the rise.

For more updates from the companies who grow what we love, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest.

Val Verde Vegetable Co.