Cooler temperatures in South, Mexico drive up produce prices
Posted: 03.13.2011 at 7:23 PM
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Lower than normal temperatures in Florida, Texas, and Mexico are causing a crop shortage for many vegetables that are typically widely available.

Nancy Bucior is one of hundreds of area shoppers seeing a difference when it comes to her veggies.

"I've definitely seen stuff go up across the board," she said.

Experts say prices are up about 10 percent across the country for a variety of produce that can't grow locally right now because it's too cold. That includes vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

At a Conway grocery store, it's apparent. A few months ago you could get four tomatoes for less than $2. Today the cost is $4.49.

Shoppers are also seeing less of a selection. Stores buy less from suppliers as their prices have gone up too. As Sunday hits, some stores even run out of produce, waiting for their Monday shipment.

Bucior says her strategy is to float from store to store.

"I go to Kroger. I go to the big box stores. I really pick and choose what I want to get," she added.

The shortage has also trickled down to fast food chains. A Wendy's off Highway 501 has a sign posted at their drive-thru that informs customers they have to request tomatoes if they want them.