A food processor in the top-asparagus producing state says labor and the rising cost of production is hurting the industry.
The CEO of Michigan Freeze Pack tells Brownfield Ag News additional shipments of asparagus from other countries like Mexico and Peru are especially noticeable this year.
Tom Brian says the vegetable can be picked, processed, and delivered in days, but labor costs are making the crop unable to compete.
His facility continues to use automation to keep costs low. But he says ultimately retail prices will determine how long they can process asparagus.
