Get Fresh!

Obviously, prices are going up.  Most people don’t have a lot of spare cash lately.  So, what to do?

First, don’t waste.  Use what you have on hand before buying more.  Plan meals around what you have.  If you have lots lots of lettuce, have a taco salad or a d-i-y salad bar (with beans or lean meat for protein) for supper.  Preserve foods–freeze, dehydrate, can. [Read more →]

A separate letter from Taylor Farms outlined the impact of three factors on the market:  (1)  increased growing costs, (2)minimum wages and labor availability, and (3)  packaging cost increases.

1.  Increased growing costs - Again, the doubled costs of fuel since 2004 and the 100% increase in “fertilizer, pesticides, and other inputs” are causing farmers and suppliers to scramble to keeps costs as reasonable as possible, but neither can continue to absorb cost increases.

2.  Wage rates and labor availability - “Minimum wage in California is up 18% in the past 14 months” which is the leading cause of harvest costs increasing “over 15% in the last two years.”  Immigration issues have greatly reduced the work force.  Growers are investigating and investing in greater automation of harvesting.

3.  Packaging - Would you believe oil prices impact this too?  “High oil costs are increasing the cost of resins, which is affecting film costs” which have risen 10% this year.  Liner board costs are increasing box price, too.  Taylor is working hard to contain costs, but will still have to raises prices this month and possibly again in September to offset the costs they’ve incurred.

Our supplier indicates that banana supply will be very limited due to the following factors:

*Cooler than usual December weather slowing growing process (Central America)

*Flooding (Ecuador)

*Russian appetite.  Russia is using the money we pay them for oil to pay cash for LOTS of fruit from Central America which limits the supply available to others.

*Increased costs, particularly transportation costs.  “Fertilizer, pesticides and other inputs are up 100% in the past 36 months and the cost of diesel to run our trucks & tractors has doubled since 2004.)

*Prorating.  With less available, most orders will not be completely filled.

We’re delighted that you’ve found Seven Stones, LLC and hope you enjoy our fresh fruits and vegetables. Please browse the pages and posts here for more information about ordering, market developments and so forth.