Though it is going to slowly warm up there are some long-term effects worth consideration. Prices will continue to stay high until the supply side stabilizes and price and quality do not track side by side. Often higher prices reflect difficult growing conditions and veg has more cosmetic challenges than we are used to. Which vegetables will be affected?

Historically January sees disruptions in organic markets due to various factors such as frosts, winter storms and less daylight hours. Shorter days mean less sunlight hours for plants to grow and short harvest time in the fields.

It is that time of year when many California growers transition their wet veg operation, think lettuces, leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower, from the cooler areas of the Central Coast and Salinas Valley down to the warmer regions in the California desert, Imperial Valley and Yuma, Arizona.

All fresh cranberries are dry harvested once a year between mid-September through early November. Cranberries are incredibly good for you and are not just for enjoying during the holiday season. Eaten fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries are high in vitamin C, fiber and vitamin E and packed with antioxidants.

October is Fair Trade Month. Earl’s Organic offers Fair Trade Bananas year-round. Buying Fair Trade products ensures that farm workers enjoy sustainable wages, safe working conditions and improves their community by collectively investing in social and business projects. $1 per every box of Coliman Bananas purchased goes to the Fair Trade Premium. Every purchase matters!

Earl’s Organic bananas are Fair Trade Certified 365 Days A YEAR

Equal Exchange Bananas are grown in Ecuador by small farmers under the AsoGuabo Cooperative.  Farmer cooperatives are groups of small farmers that have come together to collectively operate their businesses at a larger scale. They share resources, capital, and knowledge, democratically electing leadership and collectively making decisions.

Fair Trade Organic Dole Pineapples grown in Costa Rica are available year round. To earn Fair Trade certification, farms must adhere to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. Once certified, the fruit grower or farm workers, will have a fair price for their business and the farmworkers directly earn an additional premium to invest in the community or business development with every purchase.

October is Fair Trade Month. A few extra cents paid by the consumer – the Fair Trade Premium - will allow for democratically chosen projects to become a reality in farm worker communities; whether it’s a bus for the High School students, dental services or a multipurpose room, this benefit will bring empowerment through decision making and project execution.

Earl’s carries Fair Trade fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Look for Fair Trade Avocados, Bananas, Melons, Pineapples, Tomatoes and more. Every purchase empowers farm workers to improve their communities by deciding as a collective, how and when to invest the Fair Trade Premium.