National Retail Report - May 16

After being busy with the graduation of one son at K-State and our daughter from her high school this weekend, the world of produce beckons me again. On Monday I will review more details from the new farm bill approved by both the House and the Senate, some information regarding the grape technology from Chile called SAVIAGRAPES, and review answers to a reader question about the health of the U.S. Western vegetable industry.

In the meanwhile, here is link to the USDA's National Retail Report, revealing the commencement of the stone fruit and cherry seasons in California. From the report's summary:

Cherry Season is upon Us
Many of this week’s advertisements featured the first California-grown cherries of the season. In addition, ads for new crop peaches and nectarines let shoppers know that the domestic stone-fruit season has begun. Strawberries, sweet onions, tomatoes on the vine, and corn were items often featured on the front page of ads. Overall, fresh produce ad activity increased 11% from last week with fruits up 28% and vegetables showing no significant change. The top 5 featured items were strawberries, cherries and sweet onions (tie), mangoes, and tomatoes on the vine. Cherries, mangoes, and both organic and conventional strawberries comprised 44% of all fruit ads. Ads for grapes increased over 40% from last week as retailers clean up their inventory from Chile in preparation of the Mexican crop coming soon. Tomatoes on the vine, sweet onions, and both organic and conventional baby carrots made up 34% of all vegetable ads. It is noteworthy to mention that corn ads dropped 45% from last week.