Broccoli supplies suffer quality problems due to weather, insects

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this broccoli crop update September 4, 2024:

Markon First Crop (MFC) Asian-Cut Broccoli Crowns from the Salinas, California and Central Mexico growing regions are currently not available; Markon Best Available and packer label supplies will be substituted temporarily.

Salinas Valley broccoli crops are experiencing an uptick in insect activity:

• Diamondback moth larvae are feeding on outer leaves and crowns before pupating and emerging as adult moths
• While common to see increased insect activity in the late summer/early fall, an extended period of above-average temperatures created ideal conditions that growers have struggled to keep in check
• Although harvesting and processing crews for commodity and value-added broccoli packs are working to cull any product that shows signs of insects/insect damage, they are often difficult to detect and can’t be avoided completely

Mexican grown supplies are exhibiting similar defects from elevated insect pressure, with obvious evidence of insect damage in most packs.

Very thorough inspection and washing of commodity broccoli are highly recommended at the end-user level for the next two to three weeks.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

Image sources are either licensed or customer-provided.