PCAs say lower input costs have been welcome, given weak markets in general for cool-season vegetables. Lower strawberry production in Southern California seemed to give coastal strawberries a boost that held strong even after Mother’s Day, when markets typically plummet for Central Coast strawberries.

Cole crop and lettuce markets, however, have been soft, although maintaining harvestable levels. Broccoli demand has been reported light to moderate, with wide ranges in prices, from $4.50 to $7.50 a carton f.o.b. Cauliflower demand has been fairly good, with large film-wrapped heads fetching more than $9 f.o.b. and smaller sizes around $7.50. Demand has been generally light for head lettuce and romaine, with a wide range in prices, from $4.50 to $6.50 f.o.b.