Produce Markets Get More Tricks Than Treats

California’s October heat is stressing West Coast vegetable crops already battling disease and insect pressure, reducing yields and compromising quality. Hurricane Trudy brought heavy rain to Mexico’s west-central coast, potentially disrupting supplies of commodities ranging from tomatoes to avocados and limes. Transportation costs aren’t offering much relief, either, with freight rates running well above year-ago levels. Between extreme heat, tropical weather, and rising freight costs, buyers aren’t getting much of a break this fall. Read more here.