This week is a key week for sweet corn sales as consumers stock up for grilling and barbecue events that are taking place Memorial Day weekend. Both Florida and Georgia are in production currently and the two states are seeing a good crop as a result of favorable weather conditions during the growing season. "Between the two states, there is plenty of corn," says Geoff Taft with Pioneer Growers. "While we have good business on the books, there is just more supply than demand," he added.
With sweet corn quality being very nice, it is a great opportunity for consumers to take advantage of ample supply. Retailers have been advertising sweet corn and according to a report from the USDA, it was the only vegetable variety that saw a price decrease compared to the same week last year.
Harvest in Bell Glade, Florida started back in November and the winter market was very good. Spring also saw a decent start, but the abundance of supply has had a negative impact on pricing. "It has been a struggle to find a market lately and production in Bell Glade is now wrapping up," Taft commented. The area should be finished by early next week. Bainbridge, Georgia on the other hand, started production last week and will continue through mid-July and take advantage of the 4th of July holiday. Taft is hopeful pricing for Georgia sweet corn may improve now that Florida's season is wrapping up. "Once the supply from Florida has been cleaned up, we may see a better market for Georgia growers," he said.
For more information:
Geoff Taft
Pioneer Growers
Tel: +1 (561) 996-5211
[email protected]
www.pioneergrowers.com