August 8, 2013
Heavy rains and persistent heat in the Eastern U.S. have devastated that region's lettuce crop. So buyers are turning to America's salad bowl: California.
Growers in the Golden State are seeing wholesale prices for their leafy greens and other vegetables soar because of demand on the other side of the nation.
Iceberg lettuce is leading the charge, with shipments going for double the price of a year ago at about $22 for a standard carton of 24 heads, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Prices for broccoli, cauliflower and spinach are also on the rise.
"It's not just iceberg lettuce, it's our green leaf, romaine and butter lettuces. Everything has gone up in price," said Gabriela D'Arrigo, sales and marketing manager for D'Arrigo Bros. Co. in Salinas. "Usually this time of year the East Coast buyers choose local. But they can't because of the terrible weather."
For more, see: Lettuce prices soar as California growers feed demand back East
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