Tomatoes

East

· Rounds- Supplies continue to increase from the Ruskin/Palmetto growing region and will continue to do so for the next seven to ten days. For the first time in weeks, we are also seeing an increase in demand. Sizing continues to increase and the lack of the smaller sizes has put upward pressure on those FOB prices. FOB prices for 5x6s and 6x6s remain steady from last week. Quality is very good.

· Romas- Like the rounds, yields from our roma fields have improved and sizing is larger. FOB prices are down slightly again this week for all sizes. Quality is very good. As last week, there is now enough supplies in the east to the point that repackers are not as depended on western romas to meet demand.

· Grapes- Excellent supplies continue to put downward pressures on FOB prices. Quality is good.

· Cherries- Better supplies have caused FOB prices to fall from last week’s levels. Quality is improving.

· Weather forecast- Ruskin: Good tomato growing weather is forecasted. Partly cloudy to sunny skies most days for the next week with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s. A good chance of storms on Friday and Saturday morning.

West/Mexico

· Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross at McAllen and Nogales. Sizing continues to be smaller and little large fruit is available. Therefore, FOB prices for the larger sizes remain at a premium compared to the smaller sizes which remain at or near Suspension Agreement minimums. Few mature greens of any size remain available and no larger sizes are available. This sizing issue will probably continue for the next three weeks or so at which time the Baja growing regions will begin to produce with appreciable volume.

· Romas- Increased supplies from several growing regions coupled with light demand continues to keep FOB prices are at or near Suspension Agreement minimums. Quality is good.

· Grapes- Supplies continue to increase and demand remains weak. This situation has caused FOB prices continue to drop this week and are currently at or near minimums. Quality continues to improve.

· Cherries- Supply of quality cherries are tighter this week and the FOB prices of quality cherry tomatoes has increased. Many repackers are having to go east to meet the demand for quality cherries.

Green Bell Pepper

East- Increase supplies from Florida and Mexico continue to cause FOB prices to fall on all sizes and grades. Quality has been good.

West- Demand is soft. Supplies are plentiful from Nogales and from the desert and FOB prices are down again this week. The desert product continues to bring higher FOB prices due to its better quality.

Yellow Squash

East- FOB prices remain at low levels and we are seeing continued downward pressure. Supplies are plentiful and product is being harvested from Homestead, FL to south GA. Quality is variable due to disease pressures as a result of all the rain in past weeks.

West- FOB prices are generally steady at last week’s low levels with continued downward pressures being exerted. Quality is generally good. Crossings continue at Nogales.

Green Squash

East- Like the yellow, FOB prices remain at low levels this week with continued downward pressure. Quantity is good.

West- Crossings continue at Nogales. FOB prices remain at or close to floor levels. Quality remains generally good. Demand is generally weak.

Green Beans - Florida beans are priced to sell!! Quality is excellent.

Cucumbers- East- Our Florida growers are in full production and supplies are strong. FOB prices continue to see downward pressure. Quality is generally good.

West- Product continues to cross at Nogales at good levels. FOB prices remain at near floor levels. Baja has begun to harvest. We expect FOB prices to remain low through April.

Eggplant

East- Supplies continue to be generally tight but a slight increase has put downward pressure on FOB prices. Quality of eggplant remains generally good.

West- Supplies have increased slightly and FOB prices are generally steady with downward pressure.

Jalapenos

East- More supplies are putting downward pressure on FOB prices.

West- FOB prices are down slightly again this week as supplies remain strong.