CANTON, N.C. (RFD News) — Pepper growers in North Carolina have had a difficult season after frost damaged crops early in the year.
Phillips Hanging Rock Farm had 60,000 pepper plants in the ground when a light frost hit. The farm says the early cold weather affected productivity, with peppers taking 15 to 20 days between picks instead of the usual 10 days.
Prices have also been volatile, and limited packing options can make it difficult to sell large quantities of bell peppers.
Pepper production also comes with a significant labor cost. Penn State Extension says harvest can require up to 175 hours of labor per acre, plus additional labor for grading and packing.
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