Fresno, CA — California raisin growers are reporting record sales this year despite worker shortages and a delayed harvest.
The 1,100 members of the Sun-Maid Growers of Kingsburg reported net sales of $253 million this year, the highest in the 93-year history o f the San Joaquin Valley raisin growers cooperative.
Growers say a boost in mechanized harvesting rescued what might have been a difficult season, plagued by worker shortages, a delayed harvest and heavy rains.
Sun-Maid President Barry Kriebel says cooperative members will receive an estimated premium of nearly $200 per ton over the established 2004 field price.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 2:32 pm