| 2007120412-04-2007 : |
|
Contract will be in place until 1/31/08. At that time the replacement contract will be under our food umbrella contract 06006. |
| 2007010801-08-2007 : |
|
Contract has been extended for the term of twelve (12) months or until the replacement contract is available for use. This contract has been identified for possible inclusion in the state's new Enterprise Food contracting effort; a full term extension may be superseded by the new replacement contract at no penalty to the state. |
| 2006041304-13-2006 : |
|
Administrative Change: Update Contract Specialist information to Jena Richmond |
| 2006031503-15-2006 : |
|
Washington grown Braeburn, Fuji,Cameo, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Red and Golden Delicious apples
are all in good supply. Pippin apples are done for the season. New Crop Galas from Argentina will arrive next
week. Bartlett Pears from Argentina are in good supply. Washington grown Bosc Pears are finished for the season (except for very small sizes). Argentinian Bosc will be available in early April. D’Anjou and Asian pears are in good supply, but Red D’Anjous are done for the season. |
| 2006021502-15-2006 : |
|
MEXICO/BAJA CROP OUTLOOK
As winter harvests roll on the weather continues to impact production of various crops (mainly tomatoes, squash and beans) from south of the boarder. Cool temperatures over the past few weeks have slowed growth rates/maturity affecting yields, size and quality in the various growing regions. These unseasonably cool temperatures (10-15 degrees below norms) have pushed out some of the older acreage while limiting yields inthe newer fields.
A warming trend expected to take shape this week will be
a welcome relief to growers throughout the region. Bean and squash
production will gradually increase with the improved weather pattern.
Yields will be on the rise with near normal production expected in early February.
Tomato supplies have been slow to materialize this season due to
numerous pressures associated with the previous adverse weather
conditions. This coupled with the recent cool down has growers projecting significantly less volume than what was originally anticipated. Lesser yields and quality will be the norm for the short term. Supplies look to gradually increase over the next couple of weeks with the expected weather pattern.
Better supplies and quality are expected around mid-February at this time.Bell pepper production will also see less in the supply chain as the cool temperatures slow maturity in the fields. Many growers have been harvesting fields intended for the red market at the “green” stage due to strong market recently. This will lessen available supplies down the road.
Although supplies will be light out of Mexico volume from post hurricane plantings in Florida should be able to pick up the slack as we move through February. Crop assessment will be an ongoing process as winter harvests continue and as always the upcoming weather pattern will play a major role
as to supplies and quality.
BANANA OUTLOOK
The affects of last year’s tremendous hurricane season continues to
impact supplies of various crops. Banana production is currently showing the results of several hurricanes and heavy rains impacting the growing regions of Guatemala and Honduras. Plantations in these regions have been inflicted by an airborne disease, Sigatoka (leaf spot) and Black Sigatoka a much more virulent strain. Sigatoka is an airborne fungus that impedes photosynthesis by turning parts of the leaves black, eventually killing the entire leaf. When the entire plant is infected the plant appears burned. Fruit production falls by 50% or more and banana’s that do grow
suffer from premature ripening, making them unsuitable for export.
Bunches will be of poor quality and will not mature uniformly. It will trigger the release of ethylene on harvested fruit causing a very uneven ripening while in transit or storage. Sigatoka thrives in shallow, poorly drained soils and in areas with heavy dew. The heavy rains, winds and warm temperatures (Hurricanes) this season have created an industry wide problem in these regions.
Sigatoka shows up late in the growth cycle hindering early detection.
Growers can treat affected plants (fungicides, oils) however many of the trees/plants will have to be discarded. (FYI The banana plant is not a tree but rather the world’s largest herb). Treatment is rather costly especially with the black strain which is more virulent and requires more frequent and numerous applications. Growers are optimistic about controlling the problem and expect to be back with better production around mid-May at this point.
The lack of production from Guatemala and Honduras has put added pressure on supplies from Ecuador. These volumes are low, ports are congested and slow to load and they just do not have enough supply to meet demand. We will be closely watching upcoming weather patterns and the numerous other factors contributing to supply and quality to keep you informed as we
gather information. |
| 2006011101-11-2006 : |
|
A twelve month contract extension has been awarded. Start Date: Feb 01, 2006 - Stop Date: Jan 31, 07. |
| 2005120112-01-2005 : |
|
The desert districts received some early season lettuce ice this morning and will possibly continue over the next couple of days. These brief cold temperature exposures will not have long term affects, but be advised that both iceberg and romaine products have been exposed to the near freezing temperatures. Overall quality should not be too greatly affected. |
| 2005111711-17-2005 : |
|
Trucks in California, Idaho, and Washington continue to be extremely tight due to the Thanksgiving pull.We are seeing more trucks available in the first part of the week than the later. Please continue to get your orders in as early as possible so we can tie up equipment. |
| 2005101310-13-2005 : |
|
Washington apple production, which makes up 58 percent of the U.S. total, is forecast at 5.40 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous forecast and 11 percent below last year. The apple harvest continues under very good weather conditions. Growers are reporting fruit size smaller than last year due to a cool spring and a very warm August.
|
| 2005091609-16-2005 : |
|
Trucks in the western states have tightened up considerably in the past two weeks. We have seen rates skyrocket as the national average is now at 2.90. Trucks are more likely to haul for FEMA than come toCalifornia or the Pacific Northwest. This has made the truck situation worse than we normally see it. |
| 2005081608-16-2005 : |
|
Pacific Northwest blueberries are in season, but have been hampered by inconsistent weather. Quality and availability are spotty at best and look to remain unstable for the next two weeks at least.Washington potatoes 80 ct and larger are in good supplies. Currently all other markets remain steady. |
| 2005071207-12-2005 : |
|
Some area growers were beginning harvest and some growers began the previous week. Yields were average so far. Rain showers on Saturday resulted in .10 to .45 inches of precipitation. |
| 2005061406-14-2005 : |
|
Cherry harvest began in the Tri-City and Paterson areas. Chelan County reported that poor pollenation earlier in the season led to poor fruitset in many orchards. Grays Harbor County strawberry producers reported early berry ripening due to the warm temperatures. Asparagus cutting continued. |
| 2005051005-10-2005 : |
|
Precipitation during the month improved moisture levels in ranges,
pastures, and field crops. Fields were prepared for vegetable planting.
Potato planting continued. Frost protection was needed for tree fruit,
early in the month. Freezing weather caused damage to budding fruit
trees. Alfalfa emerged and grew rapidly. |
| 2005040804-08-2005 : |
|
After a very dry winter the last week of March produced a nice soaking to all sectors of agriculture.Stone fruit and Pear trees were in bloom with Raspberries and Blueberries budding. Signs of asparagus starting to emerge were also seen.Washington onions are of moderate supplies on all colors. |
| 2005020702-07-2005 : |
|
Current market reports indicate that the Fruits and Vegetables are remaining steady. |
| 2005011901-19-2005 : |
|
Twelve Month Contract Extension Has
Been Awarded To Both Sysco Food Service and Charlie's Produce Spokane. |
| 2005010401-04-2005 : |
|
Contract Extension Sent To Current Vendors: Charlie's Produce and Sysco Food Service. Response Date 1/14/05. |
| 2004121412-14-2004 : |
|
The tomato market continues to remain high. Market is expected to remain high through Jan 2005. |
| 2004062106-21-2004 : |
|
Effective April 22, 2004 Bur-Bee Food Company has been aquired by Sysco Food Services. Existing terms, conditions, specifications, and pricing remain unchanged. |
| 2004011601-16-2004 : |
|
Contract Extension effective February 1, 2004 through January 31, 2005. |
| 2003012901-29-2003 : |
|
Contract Extension - Effective February 1, 2003. |
| 2002072307-23-2002 : |
|
Change vendor name |
| 2002061806-18-2002 : |
|
Update contact name and number |