Peach season hit hard for local farmers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Recent weather has impacted produce at the Chattanooga Market, specifically peaches.

With the upcoming Peach Festival approaching, produce vendors are facing challenges.

Peach farmers noticed a change in how many peaches are readily available this year.

A late frost killed about 90% of peach crops in South Carolina and Alabama. Georgia has conflicting numbers, but has also been impacted by the issue.

“The misconception is that the peaches are bad. The peaches are not bad. The peaches are as good this year as they’ve ever been,” Local farmer Trey Deck said, “The problem is with the frost, there’s just not that many. They’re not readily available. The demand far outweighs the supply this year.”

Local farmers are finding ways to continue on even with bad weather. Despite the supply and demand issues, it is assured that the festival will have an abundance of peaches.

The Chattanooga Market’s Peach Festival will continue as planned on July 9.

Farmers want the public to know that the festival will have peaches and to be sure to check out the event.