Strawberries in short supply as season nears end

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  This year has been difficult for Strawberry farmers.

The season is about to wrap up and customers are being met with below average amounts of product.

This is due to this year’s spring weather.

March was surprisingly colder than usual which caused frost damage to some strawberry plants.

Then the last few months have been nothing but rainfall.

Muddy fields and wet conditions are not what a strawberry needs.

“Everytime we go out there is always a lot of moldy squishy, very gross strawberries.  The plant as soon as the water hits the ground and they have fruit on them already the water goes straight into the berry. They become waterlogged, then turn squishy, and start to rot really quickly.  It’s been a challenge to get out there and clean up.”

– Giuliana Castillo, Urban Farm Production Coordinator at Crabtree Farms

Demand is high for strawberries right before they go out of season.

Places are selling out fast with what little product they have left.