KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Prices for tomatoes, green beans and oranges are rising in area markets due to severe weather last month in Florida and California, a University of Tennessee professor said Monday.
Dr. John Brooker, UT agricultural economics professor, said the higher prices reflect crop loses due to flooding in California and freezing temperatures in Florida.
“It’s going to be a temporary move up and then, as the supply increases, the prices will come back down,” he said. Prices should begin to come down as other growing areas come into production.
Brooker said some retailers may react to anticipated higher prices by raising prices now, knowing that they will have to pay more for the produce later. Others may wait until they have to pay the higher prices themselves.
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Contact: Dr. John Brooker (615-974-7231)