Cold weather will push up vegetable prices

Phoenix — This rare cold snap that put the state in the deep freeze will force Arizonans to shell out more for broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce.

The Yuma area supplies most of the nation’s winter vegetable crops and the area felt the impacts of the big chill.

Phil Townsend is a pest control adviser in Yuma and said higher prices can be expected at stores for at least a couple of weeks.

“Crops could be delayed to maturity causing a possible decrease in the amount of lettuce and vegetables available on the market.”

Last year winter lettuce prices were about $7 per carton. They’re now at $25 per carton following the freeze.