A delay in planting and unfavorable summer growing conditions have resulted in a drop in onion production in the Pacific northwest region. Planting was delayed due to weather and growers had a shorter season as a result.

 

 

"Harvesting will finish up this week in eastern Oregon, western Idaho and eastern Washington," said Jason Pearson, of Eagle Eye Produce. "The harvest started in September and we're seeing the last produce coming in from our growers. Yields are smaller than normal this year and we are seeing a drop of around 20%. We had snow right up until March so planting couldn't begin until April which is later than we would like. As a result, production was squeezed into a shorter timeframe. On top of this, we had several days of over 100 degrees during the summer, which slows down growth."

 

Growers are pleased with what they are seeing, despite the drop in onion numbers. Quality is high and demand is very strong as customers seek out additional onion supplies. Prices are also on the higher side as supplies remain tight.

 

 

"The quality is really high this year among all our varieties," continued Pearson. "We grow all the main white, yellow and red onions and demand is very strong due to the short supply. We continue to see expansion on the market on all varieties. Growers are not too concerned with the reduced numbers as we are seeing a lot of customers looking for onions. Prices are on the higher side and will stay that way because of the tight supplies."

 

Publication date: 10/18/2017
Author: Dennis M. Rettke

Source: Freshplaza