United States Vegetable Market Trend Report

WASHINGTON - Sep 16/03 - SNS -- The latest weekly vegetable market trend report was released by the USDA today.

SEPTEMBER 6 AND 13, 2003, IN THAT ORDER IN THOUSAND HUNDRED WEIGHT 
(100,000 LBS) UNITS.  EXPECTED MOVEMENT IS FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER
14-27, 2003. PRICES ARE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2003, COMPARED WITH 
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2003.  UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED SALES ARE F.O.B. 
SHIPPING POINT BASIS OR PORT OF ENTRY AND EXTRA SERVICES ARE INCLUDED.



    
VEGETABLES
---ARTICHOKES
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 13-10-13---
   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. 
Prices 36s lower, others generally unchanged. Cartons Thorned 12s mostly 16.35,
18s mostly 22.35, 24s 16.35-20.35, 30s mostly 12.35, 36s and 48s 6.35-7.35. 
Quality generally good. Prices from trade sources. No F.O.B. is currently being 
issued.
---ASPARAGUS
   CARIBBEAN IMPORTS---Imports 28-28-24---Imports mostly from Peru. Movement 
expected to increase slightly. Trading fairly active.  Prices higher. 11 pound 
cartons Green bunched jumbo 15.00-16.00, extra-large 16.00-18.00, 
large 16.00-18.00, standard 17.00, small 14.00-15.00.  Prior commitments on all 
sizes at lower prices. Quality good.
   MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS---Crossings 8-5-4---Movement expected 
to continue seasonal decrease. Trading active. Prices higher. 11 pound cartons 
and crates bunched All Green Standard and Large mostly 18.00. Wide range in 
quality and appearance noted. Harvesting was slowed by rain and wet fields 
most days during the week of September 7. Many crossings have been diverted to 
other shipping point locations for consolidation and redistribution.      
   CHILE---Imports 0-0-0---Imports via air.  Movement of light volume is expected
the week of September 14 with heavier supplies expected the following week.
---BEANS
   WESTERN AND CENTRAL NEW YORK---Shipments 20-22-20---Movement expected 
to decrease.   Trading active.  Prices higher.  Bushel cartons/crates 
precooled round green type machine picked mostly 13.00-14.00.  Quality mostly 
good.  Some harvesting curtailed by showers at the start of the week.
   CARIBBEAN IMPORTS---Imports heavy.  Imports from Guatemala.  Movement 
expected to remain about the same.  Trading moderate.  Prices higher. French Type 
5 lb cartons 6.00-7.00.  Quality fair.
   MICHIGAN---Shipments fairly light---Movement expected to decrease seasonally.
Trading active on remaining supplies.  Prices higher.  Bushel cartons/crates 
precooled Round green type machine picked mostly 12.85.  No fob is currently 
being issued.  Prices from industry sources.   Quality generally good.
   WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 10-7-5---Movement expected to continue 
seasonal decrease.  Trading fairly active.  Prices higher on Round Green Type, 
unchanged on Pole Type.  Bushel hampers/crates Round Green type 12.00, 
Pole type 18.00.
   EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA---Shipments Very Light---Harvesting is currently 
underway although production is expected to be very light until the week of 
September 28. Current supplies in too few hands to establish a market. 
FIRST REPORT.
   SOUTH GEORGIA---Initial packinghouse shipments of fall crop round green beans 
is expected to begin the week of September 14 at a few locations. Shipments during 
the week are expected to be at very light levels. Current supply insufficient to 
quote and in too few hands. FIRST REPORT.
---BROCCOLI
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 126-102-113---
   SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA---Movement about the same as the 68 units shipped 
last week. Trading early very active, late Crown Cut active, others moderate. Prices 
slightly higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 14.00-14.60, bunched 18s mostly 
14.50-15.10, 20 pound carton loose Crown Cut mostly 20.10-21.25. Wide range in 
quality noted.  
   SANTA MARIA-GUADALUPE-OCEANO-LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the 
same as the 41 units shipped last week. Trading active. Prices Crown cut generally 
unchanged, others higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 13.20-14.75, bunched 18s 
14.70-15.00, 20 pound carton loose Crown Cut mostly 18.75-20.50. Quality 
generally good.    
---CABBAGE
   WESTERN AND CENTRAL NEW YORK---Shipments 84-89-91---Movement expected to remain 
about the same. Trading active for fairly light supplies of medium, slow for large. 
Prices bulk large lower, others generally unchanged. 50 lb cartons Round Green type 
medium 5.50-6.50, 50 lb sacks Round Green type large 2.00-2.50, bulk per pound 
Round Green type large .03-.035. Quality variable. 
   SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN---Shipments 54-54-54---Movement expected to remain about 
the same. Trading active for carton green, fairly slow for others. Prices unchanged. 
50 lb cartons Round Green type medium mostly 6.00, large mostly 5.00, Red type 
medium 7.00-8.00, 50 lb sacks Round Green type medium-large mostly 3.00. 
Quality good.
   NORTHEAST COLORADO---Shipments 35-27-34---Movement expected to increase. Trading 
early active and late medium active, large fairly active. Prices higher. Round Green 
type 50 pound cartons medium mostly 6.00-6.50, 50 lb sacks jumbo 2.25-3.00. Red 
50 lb carton 7.00. Quality generally good.    
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 23-25-28---
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 15 units 
shipped last week. Trading moderate. Prices Green slightly higher, Red generally 
unchanged. 45 pound cartons Round Green type medium 5.50-6.35, Red type medium 
mostly 6.00-6.25. Quality generally good.  
   OXNARD DISTRICT---Movement expected about the same as the 13 units shipped 
last week. Trading moderate. Prices higher. 45 pound cartons Round Green type 
medium mostly 5.70-6.50 Red type 7.35-7.50. Quality generally good. 
   MICHIGAN---Shipments moderate---Movement expected to increase.  Trading active.  
Prices higher.  50 pound cartons Round green type medium mostly 6.50-7.00.  
No f.o.b. is currently being issued.  Prices from industry sources.  Quality good.
   SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA---Shipments 5-3-3---Movement expected to remain about the 
same. Trading fairly active on light supplies. Prices higher. 50 lb cartons Round 
Green type medium mostly 5.00, 50 lb sacks Round Green type large mostly 2.50.
---CARROTS
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 133-119-138---
   KERN DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 128 units 
shipped last week. Trading jumbo active others fairly active. Prices jumbo higher, 
others generally unchanged. 48-1 pound filmbags in sacks medium-large 9.85, 
50 pound sacks loose jumbo mostly 12.85. Quality generally good.
   MICHIGAN---Shipments 29-26-26---Movement expected to remain about the same. 
Trading fairly active for medium at lower prices, fairly slow for jumbo. Prices 
lower. Sacks 48 1-lb filmbags medium mostly 6.00, 24 2-lb filmbags medium mostly 
6.00, 16 3-lb filmbags medium mostly 6.00, 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 6.00-6.50.  
---CAULIFLOWER
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 76-55-66---
   SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to increase over the 45 units
shipped last week as last week's above normal temperatures expected to increase 
production. Trading early active, late fairly slow. Prices lower from the market high
of Thursday, September 11. Cartons filmwrapped 12s mostly 13.10-15.10, 9s and 16s 
mostly 10.10-13.10. Quality generally good.    
   SANTA MARIA-GUADALUPE-OCEANO-LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same 
as the 21 units shipped last week. Trading moderate. Prices lower. Cartons filmwrapped 
12s mostly 12.20-14.25. Quality generally good.   
---CELERY
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 244-202-241---  
   SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to increase over the 168 units 
shipped last week. Trading early late 2 and 2 1/2 dozen active, others moderate, 
late moderate. Prices 2 and 2 1/2 dozen higher, others generally unchanged. 
Cartons 1 1/2 dozen supplies insufficient to quote, 2 dozen mostly 11.10-12.35, 
2 1/2 dozen mostly 10.60-11.25, 3 dozen mostly 7.00-7.60 and 4 dozen mostly 6.00-6.60. 
Wide range in quality noted.  
   SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 73 units shipped 
last week. Trading fairly active. Prices higher. Cartons 2 dozen mostly 9.00-10.35, 
2 1/2 dozen mostly 9.20-9.35, 3 dozen mostly 7.00-7.50, 4 dozen mostly 6.20-7.50. 
Quality generally good. 
   MICHIGAN---Shipments 30-33-36---Movement expected to decrease slightly.  Trading 
fairly active.  Prices higher.  Cartons filmbags hearts 24 size 12.00, 18 size 9.50, 
cartons 2 and 2 1/2 dozen 8.50, 3 dozen 7.50.  Quality good.
---CHINESE CABBAGE
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 23-20-21---
   CENTRAL CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, 
late moderate. Prices slightly lower. Nappa WGA crates mostly 11.00-12.35, 
30 pound cartons 7.10-8.25. Quality generally good.   
---CORN
   HUDSON VALLEY NEW YORK---Shipments 68-39-44---Movement expected about the same.  
Trading fairly slow.   Prices generally unchanged. Wirebound crates 4 dozen minimum 
yellow 5.35-6.35, white and bicolor mostly 6.00-6.35.  Quality good.  Extra 
services included.  
   SOUTH GEORGIA---Light harvesting of the fall crop is underway and shipments have 
been noted for several weeks.  Shipments currently are from two packinghouses. 
Current supply insufficient to quote and in too few hands. FIRST REPORT.
---CUCUMBERS
   MICHIGAN---Shipments 84-61-38---Movement expected to decrease seasonally as many 
growers have finished for the season.   Trading active for very light supplies.   
Prices higher.  1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 16.00-18.35, fair quality 9.00-10.35, 
cartons 24s 6.00-7.00.  Quality variable.  Extra services included.   
   WESTERN AND CENTRAL NEW YORK---Shipments 39-40-31---Movement expected to decrease.
Trading active for very light supplies.  Prices higher.  1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 
mostly 18.00, fair quality 12.00-14.00, carton 24s mostly 6.00. Quality good. 
Expect light shipments the next few weeks. LAST REPORT.
   EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA---Shipments 0-14-12---Movement expected to increase. 
Trading active on light supplies. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 16.00-18.00, fair 
quality mostly 10.00, carton 24s mostly 4.00.
   WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 12-8-7---Movement expected to continue seasonal
decrease.  Trading active.  Prices higher. 1 1/9 bushel crates medium 18.00.
   SOUTH GEORGIA---Initial fall crop harvest was underway during the week of 
September 7 by a handful of producers. Shipments during the week were very light 
and in very few hands. The overall movement during the week of September 14 is 
expected to remain very light. FIRST REPORT.
---ENDIVE/ESCAROLE
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Shipments 6-5-4---Movement expected about the same. 
Trading early Endive fairly active and Escarole fairly slow, late moderate. Prices 
Endive slightly lower, Escarole generally unchanged. Cartons 24s Endive mostly 
6.00-6.60, Escarole mostly 6.00-6.60. Quality generally good. 
---GREENS
   LEXINGTON DISTRICT SOUTH CAROLINA---Shipments 10-10-*---Movement expected to 
remain about the same. Trading moderate. Prices lower compared to September 09, 2003.
Cartons bunched 6s Collards 6.50-8.50. Cartons loose Kale mostly 6.50-8.00, 
Mustard 6.50-8.50, Turnip Tops 6.50-8.50. Quality good. * unavailable.  
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 7-5-6---
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 5 units 
shipped last week. Trading moderate. Prices generally unchanged. Cartons bunched 
24s Kale mostly 5.00-5.60, Flowering type 6.35-8.35. Quality generally good. 
   OXNARD DISTRICT---Movement expected to increase slightly over the 1 unit shipped 
last week as more shippers begin packing. Trading moderate. Prices unchanged. 
Cartons bunched 24s Kale 4.50-5.35. Quality generally good. No FOB is currently 
being issued. Prices from trade sources. 
   EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 0-2-2---Movement expected to increase. 
Trading moderate. Prices unchanged. Various containers bunched and loose Collards, 
Kale, Mustard and Turnip Tops 5.50-6.00. Quality good.
---LETTUCE, ICEBERG
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 771-660-676---
   SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to increase over the 560 units
shipped last week. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices generally unchanged. 
Carton 24s 14.10-16.10, filmwrapped 24s mostly 16.60-17.60. Wide range in quality 
and weight noted. Temperatures during the week of September 7 were well above normal
with high temperatures over 90 degrees most days. The forecast for the week of 
September 14 calls for cooler near normal temperatures.       
   SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to decrease below the 98 units shipped 
last week. Trading moderate. Prices generally unchanged. Carton 24s 14.00-15.25, 
filmwrapped 24s mostly 15.70-16.75. Quality generally good. 
   SAN LUIS VALLEY, COLORADO----Shipments 24-17-11---Movement expected to decrease 
seasonally as shippers finish for the season. Trading early active, late moderate. 
Prices lower. Carton 24s 14.10-15.10. No F.O.B. is currently being issued. Prices 
from trade sources. During the week of September 7, harvesting was delayed by ice in 
fields late week and by rain mid week. Lighter shipments expected for the next ten
days. LAST REPORT.  
---LETTUCE, ROMAINE
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 247-224-261---
   SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 222 units
shipped last week. Trading early active, late slow. Prices lower. Carton 24s mostly 
8.60-10.75. Hearts Cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 10.50-12.60. Wide range in 
quality and appearance noted.     
   SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to increase slightly over the 32 units 
shipped last week. Trading moderate.  Prices lower. Carton 24s mostly 9.35-10.35. 
Quality generally good.   
   OXNARD DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to increase over the 4 units 
shipped last week as more shippers begin. Trading fairly active. Cartons 24s 
12.20-14.35. Quality generally good. No F.O.B. is currently being issued. Prices from 
trade sources. FIRST REPORT.   
---LETTUCE, OTHER
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 63-60-68---
   SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 58 units 
shipped last week. Trading early fairly active, late slow. Prices Boston generally 
unchanged, others lower. Carton 24s Green Leaf mostly 5.60-660, Red Leaf mostly 
7.10-8.35 and Boston mostly 9.10-10.25. Wide range in quality and appearance noted.     
   SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA---Movement expected to increase over the 9 units shipped 
last week. Trading moderate. Prices Boston generally unchanged, others lower. 
Carton 24s Green Leaf 7.35-8.20, Red Leaf mostly 8.00-8.70, Boston 10.00-11.25. 
Quality generally good.
---MISCELLANEOUS ASIAN VEGETABLES
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 14-11-8---
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 8 units shipped 
last week. Trading moderate. Prices generally unchanged. Bok Choy WGA crates mostly 
13.10-14.25, 30 pound cartons mostly 8.10-9.35. Quality generally good. 
---MISCELLANEOUS HERBS
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 7-6-6---
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 4 units shipped 
last week. Trading moderate. Prices slightly higher. Cilantro Cartons bunched 60s 
mostly 15.10-16.35, bunched 30s mostly 8.10-10.25. Quality generally good.  
   OXNARD DISTRICT---Movement expected about the same as the 2 units shipped last 
week.  Trading fairly active. Prices generally unchanged. Cilantro Cartons bunched 
60s mostly 14.35-15.35, bunched 30s mostly 8.20-9.35. Quality generally good. 
   CARIBBEAN IMPORTS---Imports 22-23-34---Imports from Costa Rica, Brazil. 
Movement expected to remain the same.  Trading moderate. Prices Calabaza higher, 
others generally unchanged.  Calabaza 50 lb sack 5.00, Chayote cartons 24s 
3.50-4.00, Coconut 50 lb sacks 40s 9.00. Malanga Blanca 40 lb carton 21.00-24.00, 
Yams 40 lb carton 13.00-14.00, Yuca 40 lb carton 10.00. Ginger 30 lb carton 
12.00-13.00. Quality good.
---OKRA
   SOUTH FLORIDA---Shipments 2-1-3---Movement expected to remain about the
same.  Trading moderate.  Prices lower.  Including palletizing and cooling 
1/2 bushel cartons and crates small-medium 6.85-8.85.  Quality good.
---ONIONS, GREEN
   SOUTH AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AND INCLUDING MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH 
VARIOUS PORTS OF ENTRY---Shipments CA 11-11-13, Crossings 37-37-38---Movement 
expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late Leeks moderate, others 
fairly active. Prices slightly higher. Cartons bunched 48s medium mostly 
8.10-9.35, 48s small mostly 7.10-8.35. Leek Cartons bunched 12s 7.35-9.35. 
Quality generally good.   
   LEXINGTON DISTRICT SOUTH CAROLINA---Shipments 3-3-*---Movement expected to 
remain about the same. Trading moderate. Prices lower compared to September 
09, 2003. Cartons/crates bunched 48s mostly 9.00-10.00. Quality good. 
* unavailable.
---PARSLEY
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 5-5-5---
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 4 units 
shipped last week. Trading moderate. Prices slightly lower. Cartons bunched 
60s Curly 7.10-8.35 and Plain type mostly 7.10-8.25. Quality generally good. 
   OXNARD DISTRICT---Movement expected to increase slightly over the 1 unit 
shipped last week as more shippers begin. Trading moderate. Prices generally 
unchanged. Cartons bunched 60s Curly mostly 8.00-10.35. Quality generally good. 
No F.O.B. is currently being issued. Prices from trade sources.  
---PEAS, GREEN
   CARIBBEAN IMPORTS---Imports 5-5-7---Imports from Guatemala. Movement 
expected to remain about the same. Trading fairly slow.  Prices higher.
10 lb cartons Decalyxed Snow Peas 10.00-11.00, Sugar Snap Type 10.00-12.00. 
Quality fair.
   CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Shipments 3-2-2---Movement expected about the 
same.  Trading moderate. Prices higher. 10 pound cartons Snow Type mostly 
9.10-10.00, Sugar Snap type supplies insufficient to quote. Quality 
generally good.    
---PEPPERS
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 130-139-147---
   SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA---Shipments 130-138-129---Movement expected 
to decrease.  Trading early Green fairly active, Red and Yellow fairly 
slow; late Yellow moderate, Red and Green fairly slow.  Prices Green Bell 
type higher, Red and Yellow Bell type lower.  1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates 
Green Extra Large mostly 6.35-6.85, Large mostly 5.85-6.35, Medium mostly 
5.15-5.35, Irregular Size-Fair Quality mostly 4.35-4.50. Red Bell Type 
25 pound carton Extra Large and Large mostly 7.50-9.85. 1/2 carton 
Extra Large and Large mostly 5.85, 25 pound carton Irregular Size-Fair 
Quality mostly 5.85-6.85.  Yellow Bell Type supplies insufficient to 
quote.  Quality variable on Red and Yellow Bell types. Quality generally 
good on Green Bell type. 
   SOUTH DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA---Shipments 0-1-18---Movement expected to 
increase as more shippers increase the harvest of Red Bell type.  Trading 
fairly slow.  Prices Red Bell Type 25 pound carton Extra Large and Large 
mostly 7.85-8.85. 1/2 carton Extra Large and Large mostly 5.85-6.85, 25 pound 
carton Irregular Size-Fair Quality mostly 5.85-6.85.  Yellow Bell Type 
1/2 carton Extra Large and Large 7.85-9.85, 25 pound carton Irregular 
Size-Fair Quality mostly 7.85-9.85.  Quality generally good.  No. F.O.B 
currently issued on Yellow Bell type.  Supplies in too few hands to 
establish a market.  Prices are from trade sources. FIRST REPORT.
   MICHIGAN---Shipments 42-39-39---Movement expected to decrease 
slightly the week of September 14, decrease the following week.  Trading 
moderate.  Prices lower.  1 1/9 bushel cartons Bell Type Green jumbo and 
extra large mostly 8.00-9.35, large and medium 7.35-8.35.  Quality good.  
   WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 10-4-4---Movement expected to decrease.
Trading moderate.  Prices lower on extra large, unchanged on others.  
1 1/9 bushel carton Bell Type green jumbo 10.00, extra large 9.00-10.00, 
large 8.00.
---PUMPKINS
   VIRGINIA---Shipments Light---Movement expected to increase as more 
growers begin harvesting. Current supplies are very light and in too few 
hands to establish market.
---RADISHES
   MICHIGAN---Shipments moderate---Movement expected about the same.  
Trading moderate.  Prices slightly higher.  Cartons 30 6-ounce filmbags 
Red 5.00-5.50, 14 1-pound filmbags 5.50-6.00, 14 1-pound resealable 
filmbags 6.00-6.50.   Quality good.  Prices include cooling charges.  
---SPINACH
   ALL CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS---Shipments 12-11-11---
  CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA---Movement expected about the same as the 9 
units shipped last week. Trading fairly slow. Prices lower. Cartons 
bunched 24s Flat type mostly 8.10-9.20. Wide range in quality and 
appearance noted.      
---SQUASH
   WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 7-4-4---Movement expected to 
decrease.  Trading fairly active on Zucchini, moderate on Yellow 
Crookneck.  Prices higher on Zucchini, unchanged on Yellow Crookneck.
1/2 & 5/9 bushel cartons/crates Zucchini small 14.00. 3/4 bushel 
cartons/crates Yellow Crookneck small 8.00.
   LEXINGTON DISTRICT SOUTH CAROLINA---Shipments 4-3-*---Movement
expected to remain about the same. Trading moderate. Prices Zucchini 
higher, Yellow Crookneck lower compared to September 09, 2003. 1/2 bushel 
cartons Zucchini small 12.00-14.00, medium 10.00-12.00. 3/4 bushel 
cartons Yellow Crookneck small 12.00-14.00, medium 5.00-8.00. Quality good. 
* unavailable. 
   SOUTH GEORGIA---Initial packinghouse shipments of fall crop varieties 
is underway and shipments have been noted since around the first of 
September.  Shipments during the week of September 7 were light and in 
few packinghouse hands.  The overall movement during the week of 
September 14 is expected to increase seasonably. Expect the initial fob 
price report to be issued by September 19. FIRST REPORT.
---SWEET POTATOES
   EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 27-27-34---Movement expected to
increase. Trading moderate. Prices lower. Uncured (green) 40 lb
cartons U.S. One medium 18.00-19.00. Predominant varieties are Beauregard,
Hernandez and Jewel. According to the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service, 7% of the crop has been harvested compared with 7% this same 
time last year. In some locations, harvest is moving at a fairly slow pace 
due to the lack of sizing. The lack of sizing is a result of cool weather
and wet conditions.  2003 has been one of the wettest year's on record 
for the state of North Carolina. The majority of the crop is being reported 
in good condition.
   LOUISIANA---Shipments 11-17-20---Movement expected to increase. Trading 
fairly slow. Prices unchanged.  Regular storage 40 lb cartons U.S. #1
Beauregard 18.00-20.00. According to the National Agriculture Statistics
Service, 23% of the crop has been harvested in the state compared to 24% this
time last year.   
---TOMATOES
   CENTRAL DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA---Shipments 225-203-143---Movement expected 
to increase slightly.  Trading active.  Prices higher.  25-lb cartons Mature 
Greens Extra large 11.20-12.20, Large mostly 10.20, Medium mostly 7.20.  
Quality generally good.
   SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST, CALIFORNIA---Shipments 52-51-126---Movement 
expected to increase as harvesting nears peak.  Trading moderate.  Prices 
lower.  Flats 2-layer Vine Ripe 3x4s 5.35-7.35, 4x4s mostly 6.35-7.85, 
4x5s mostly 6.85-8.35, 5x5s mostly 8.35-9.85, 5x6s mostly 8.35-9.35.  
Quality generally good.
   EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA---Shipments 63-51-64---Movement expected 
to remain about the same. Trading fairly active. On Monday, September 15 
orders were booked open with prices to be established later. Prices on 
Thursday, September 11 25 lb cartons loose Mature Greens 85% U.S. One or 
Better 5x6 size 12.20-13.20, 6x6 size mostly 10.20, 6x7 size mostly 7.20.
   EASTERN TENNESSEE---Shipments 62-48-62---Movement expected to 
begin slight seasonal decrease.  Trading fairly active.  Prices higher.
25 lb carton loose Mature Greens 85% U.S. One or Better 5x6 size 10.00,
6x6 size 8.00-9.00, 6x7 size 5.00-7.00.  Quality good.
   WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA---Shipments 64-45-52---Movement to begin 
seasonal decrease.  Trading active.  Prices higher. 25 lb carton 
loose turning pink jumbo 12.00, extra large 12.00, large 10.00-11.00.
Quality generally good.
   MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA, CALIFORNIA---Crossings 52-37-49---
Movement expected about the same.  Trading fairly slow.  Prices lower.  
Flats 2-layer Vine Ripes 4x4s mostly 6.75-7.90, 4x5s mostly 6.75-7.90, 
5x5s 8.75-8.90, 5x6s 8.35-9.35.  Quality variable.
   SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN---Shipments 41-40*-35---Movement expected to 
decrease. Trading moderate for decreasing supplies.  Prices higher.  
Cartons 2 layer U.S.One vine ripes 4x4 and 4x5s 11.00-12.00, 25-pound 
cartons 5x6 size 11.00-12.00, 6x6 size mostly 10.00-10.35.  *revised
---CHERRY TOMATOES
   MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA, CALIFORNIA---Crossings 25-8-6---
Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly active.  Prices higher.  
12-1 pint baskets mostly 7.85-8.90.  Quality generally good.
   EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA---Shipments Fairly Light---Movement 
expected to remain about the same. Trading fairly slow. On Monday, September 
15 orders were booked open with prices to be established later. Prices on 
Thursday, September 11 flats 12 1-pt baskets 7.20,  flats 12 1-pt containers
with lids Grape Type mostly 7.20-9.20, 20 lb cartons loose Grape Type 
13.20-15.20. 
---TOMATOES, PLUM TYPE
   MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA, CALIFORNIA---Crossings 95-62-101---
Movement expected to increase.  Trading active.  Prices higher. 25-lb cartons 
Extra large and Large mostly 12.75-12.90, Medium mostly 10.85-10.90.  
Quality variable.
   CENTRAL DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA---Shipments 33-35-30---Movement expected 
about the same.  Trading fairly active.  Prices  generally unchanged.  
25-lb cartons Extra large and large mostly 12.20, Medium mostly 10.20.  
Quality generally good.  
   EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA---Shipments Fairly Light---Movement 
expected to remain about the same. Trading moderate. On Monday, September 15 
orders were booked open with prices to be established later.  Prices on
Thursday, September 11 25 lb cartons loose 11.20.

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STAT News Service

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