OXNARD, CA - We all have our beloved holiday dishes—ones we can’t imagine going without at our respective holiday feasts, but this year, collard greens fans are in for a rough season. Over the past year, major weather events affected growers across the country, including San Miguel Produce, Inc., resulting in a nationwide scarcity of the cherished greens.
“This is only the second time in two decades we have seen a major national shortage like this. Most times shortages are regional and there are options to work with colleagues around the country to help fill gaps,” said Jan Berk, Owner and COO. “Unfortunately, we have called other growers the past few weeks hoping someone might have extra or recovered sooner than expected…only to hear they are short too and looking to source collards.”
During this busy season, retailers are encouraged to educate consumers about the possible shortage of collard greens in stores and about the various alternative dark leafy greens varieties such as kale, chard, mustard greens, and turnip greens.
Across the country, regions faced different, detrimental conditions, all of which resulted in reduced crop yields, according to the press release. The Southeast, including South Carolina and some of Georgia suffered persistent rain and little sun due to Hurricane Florence. The West endured strong Santa Ana winds and wildfires, leading to lower yields due to the winds scarring and taring leaves. Significant rains in Texas has also reduced crop yields in the region.
To meet the Thanksgiving holiday demands, growers were forced to enter fields earlier than usual to harvest due to these weather challenges. Now, to meet the Christmas demand, growers have been pushing crops with additional fertilizer to enhance growth. Many growers have invested in plantings/crops for several months to prepare for harvest in this, the peak season for dark leafy greens.
Despite these mitigating efforts, weather conditions remain unfavorable nationwide, even as the seasonal rush begins, sparking concern about availability to meet demand.
For more information on produce shortages that may affect your holiday recipes, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
