Major US strawberry states continue to suffer from weather-related issues
The year opened with restless weather, prompting strawberry growers to brace themselves. More turmoil is in the forecast, as a cold snap grips Florida and floods swamp California, the country’s main suppliers of the fruit.
A disruption of the polar vortex resulted in lower-than-usual temperatures back in December, which impacted much of the United States’ Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. The cold also reached the Southeast, including parts of Florida, and the weather is not projected to improve until the end of January.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee reports that damaging wind gusts, hail, and isolated tornadoes remain possible as another cold front approaches the Sunshine State. These conditions may further disrupt strawberry supplies, which were already limited during the 2025 holiday season due to persistent winter rains in California.
Precipitation in the Golden State has continued into the new year, with ongoing downpours causing significant disruption. This week, flooding forced hundreds to seek shelter in San Diego. Five counties remain under a flood watch, according to CNN, with up to three inches of rain expected through Monday night in areas already saturated since the holidays.
Strawberry suppliers joint effort
Florida is the leading national berry supplier during winter and the second-largest strawberry producer after California. The cold weather might slow strawberry development in the south, and continued rainfall on the West Coast could further tighten the market. This could result in a harvest delay, increasing the chance of diseases and product loss.
However, teamwork might be the answer to the shortage. The Produce Alliance’s Commodity Forecast for January to March reports that supply will be supported by multiple production regions, including Baja and Central Mexico, through May.
Even if weather remains a potential risk, the agency reports, regional diversity should help keep supplies steady throughout the year’s first quarter if moderate conditions persist across all US strawberry suppliers.
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US strawberry prices soar 33 percent as California rain disrupts December supply
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