Why are Lettuce Prices Higher?

California is a major producer of fruits and vegetables in the United States. Some are imported from Mexico, Chile and other countries, but a large percentage is produced in California. Until this year California was suffering through a multi-year severe drought. Because of irrigation, California was still able to produce fruits and vegetables during the drought. This year it was the exact opposite, too much rain. In fact, flooding rains.

The wet weather in Southern California delayed the planting of lettuce, broccoli and other vegetables. That has caused a shortage and sharply higher prices. According to the US Department of Agriculture, prices for celery have tripled, romaine lettuce quadrupled. Prices should moderate by the middle of May when the new crop is harvested. However, because of the delayed planting, production will be lower so prices will not likely return to normal levels for a while.