Welcome to our 2019 Fall Newsletter.
All growers face the challenges of weather, as it is an important component of managing crops, especially outside. In spite of the fact our 2019 season had more than its fair share of challenges, many growers reported one of the best berry seasons ever. Nourse Farms also had a good growing season, resulting in a very good crop of plants for the 2020 season. We look forward to harvesting them and preparing them for shipment.
All growers are experiencing increased input and labor costs. In our analysis, with the concept of being sustainable, it is necessary for an across the board price increase for the coming season. In Massachusetts we have continuing $1.00 per hour increases. In addition, as a result of a decision of our Supreme Judicial Court, packing house operations are no longer exempt from the agricultural overtime rule. This will have a substantial impact at Nourse Farms.
Nourse Farms continues to be a part of the many changes happening in our industry. We are adding two new products to our propagation and production - strawberry tray plants and long cane raspberry plants. We have learned a lot about growing a quality product, in this expanding and challenging market area. These plants are used to produce fruit in glass greenhouses and other structures, using a variety of containers and substrates.
We are pleased to announce the addition of John Place as our Chief Operating Officer. John shares our forward thinking, entrepreneurial drive, and passion for leading the industry. We are confident John will continue to grow our dedicated team, enabling us to meet developing grower demands while maintaining the unsurpassed quality and service you’ve come to expect.
The Nourse Team and I thank you for your past business, and we look forward to serving you in 2020.
