As a result, Sanchez said the company is prioritizing its own direct sales. Lane has nearly 500,000 trees of more than 30 varieties and lost more than 90% of its crop.
Lane Southern Orchards, another large producer near Fort Valley, usually employs about 350 seasonal workers, but this year they are down to about 80, said CEO Mark Sanchez.
Pearson estimates farms around Fort Valley normally draw up to 700 workers a year, adding, “For a town of 8,000, it’s kind of a big deal to not have those people spending money in town.” Without that influx of people, he expects local restaurants and other businesses could suffer. Other large farms draw hundreds more to the area. But this year, after 95% of his crop was destroyed, he will only need about 40. Lawton Pearson, a fifth-generation peach farmer and partner at Pearson Farm near Fort Valley, said in a good year, his farm employs as many as 250 local and seasonal workers combined to help with the harvest. In Middle Georgia, home to the state’s largest peach farms, the effects of the poor crop are expected to ripple through the local economy. “The tree-ripe peach is our trademark, and you cannot buy a tree-ripe peach in the supermarket.” Explore Metro Atlanta farmers markets: 2023 map and guide from the AJC “What’s bad about it is, you lose your customer flow and people forget about you,” Markley said. Markley sells directly to consumers who drive in from surrounding counties, but this year, the farm stand is closed. A pound of yellow peaches will also cost you roughly 50 cents more than it did in 2022.Īlthough Markley also grows pecans and blueberries, peaches account for more than 70% of his revenue, or about $100,000 a year. Department of Agriculture data shows the average price for a pound of white peaches is currently $3.88, up from $2.66 a year ago. The peaches you find at typical supermarkets often come from other states, or even other countries.Ĭonsumers appear to be paying the price, literally, at the grocery store.
0 kommentar(er)
