Extreme 2023 weather will affect food prices and selection. Here’s how
Snow, torrential rains, massive floods. Extreme weather has battered the U.S. this year and shoppers will likely feel the lingering effects at the grocers heading into summer. Good weather, especially in the spring when planting season starts, is vital to growing a bountiful crop of fruits, nuts and vegetables. However, the extreme swings this year have left many growers behind schedule, especially in California, which produces nearly half of U.S. fruits, nuts and “salad bowl” vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, spinach and kale, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Although farmers are optimistic they can recover from delayed planting timelines, it may take a few months. Meantime, consumers may see smaller selections, lower supplies and higher prices in the near term, experts say.