Steep increase in prices for produce to see relief

3/24/2011

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A nearly 50 percent increase in vegetable prices that has sent shoppers reeling in the produce aisle should ease in the coming weeks as farmers send grocers more tomatoes, lettuce, and other crops.

Vegetable prices shot up last month after cold weather in the southern U.S. and Mexico destroyed much of the winter vegetable supply, the Commerce Department said.

Costs should be coming down soon, though, as crops farmers planted after the winter freezes start to reach stores, said growers, grocers, and analysts.