OXNARD, CA - Cool as a stalk of celery. That’s how the saying goes, right? If it didn’t before, it sure does now as Boskovich Farms gets ready for its 2023 celery season. I had the chance to sit down with the grower’s Tom Hassenbein, Sales, to hear what we can expect this season.
“We are currently a few months away from the celery season in Oxnard, California, which ends in mid-June but then transitions to harvesting in California’s Lompoc Valley,” Tom explained to me as we dove into one of Boskovich’s most popular programs.
Last season, as Tom told me, the celery market was relatively steady due to ample supply and favorable weather. Less-than-ideal weather conditions have since made an impact on the crop, though Boskovich has worked to mitigate any challenges.
“The market was extremely challenging and tight due to adverse weather conditions such as extreme rainfall and colder-than-normal conditions affecting growing, harvesting, and planting schedules,” he stated. “Markets in the beginning ranged from $30 to $50 early on in the season compared to a normal season market ranging from $12 to $20 on celery.”
However, as we prepare to kick off the 2023 celery season, Tom divulged that the tides are changing.
“As we approach the end of the Oxnard season, the challenges from seeder issues will reduce overall volume and availability on the celery market, which should continue to be steady and strong allowing the prices to go up in the coming months,” concluded Tom.
AndNowUKnow will continue digging into the celery season throughout the spring, so don’t go anywhere.
