Fruit and Vegetable Markets Show Mixed September Trends

Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground.

spring produce vegetables _ adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Produce markets are seeing a wide mix of price movement this week, according to US Foods, with hardy vegetables holding firmer ground, while fruit markets are split.

Leaf lettuces, iceberg, strawberries, limes, pineapples, avocados, and honeydews are all trending lower. By contrast, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, green onions, lemons, oranges, green beans, jalapeños, Roma tomatoes, cantaloupes, and several apple varieties are moving higher on steady-to-good demand.

Potatoes remain mostly steady, though russets out of Idaho and reds out of Minnesota softened. Onions are mixed, with Washington and Oregon supplies holding firm while Idaho lots edged lower. Cabbage from New York and green beans from the Northeast are showing stronger markets.

In fruit, California citrus is climbing, especially lemons and oranges, while tropical imports like pineapples and avocados are weaker.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground. Fruit markets are split, with U.S. citrus gaining strength and tropical imports trending softer.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Higher freight rates and potential service disruptions are key concerns for agriculture, which relies heavily on rail to move commodities.
Wyoming cowboy and Dusty Vaquero Days founder J.B. Zielke joins us to preview his upcoming event in Gillette and to highlight the festival’s celebration of cowboy culture through music and community events.
Members from across the state will gather for competitions, workshops and leadership opportunities.
DOJ and USDA investigate beef industry concentration, with Big Four packers under scrutiny and a major settlement announcement expected later this week.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor joins us to discuss the uncertain path for year-round E15 sales and the next steps as the issue heads toward a standalone House vote after it was stripped from the Farm Bill.
The new county maps show farm program payments are widespread, but payment design still produces very different outcomes across regions and crops. AgriSompo’s Brooks York joins us to discuss the role of crop insurance in supporting mental health.