Nov 12, 2024

Arizona leafy greens month celebrated

To mark the start of their harvest, Arizona growers and shippers are celebrating the 12th annual Arizona Leafy Greens Month.

Since the first celebration, Arizona farmers have produced more than 100 billion servings of lettuce (based on the average production of 9 billion servings per year), according to a news release.

Arizona is known as the winter lettuce capital of the U.S., providing Americans with an abundance of lettuce and leafy greens from November to March. According to United States Department of Agriculture statistics, Arizona farmers grow approximately 25% of the total U.S. lettuce supply each year. On an annual basis the leafy greens farming community in Arizona generates a $2 billion impact, according to the release.

“Right now, Arizona farms are actively growing and harvesting some types of leafy greens including spinach, kale, arugula, spring mix, Swiss chard and romaine lettuce.” Teressa Lopez, administrator of the Arizona LGMA program, said in the release.

Arizona LGMA food safety audits are scheduled to begin the week of Nov. 18 and continue regularly throughout our growing season, according to the release.

Throughout November, Arizona LGMA is partnering with the Yuma Safe Produce Council to celebrate through a variety of outreach activities.  The two organizations will host a booth at the Yuma Farmer’s Market on Saturday, Nov. 23.

On social media, Welcome to Arizona will help drive awareness of Arizona’s contributions to the food supply.  Farmer influencer Jon Dinsmore will share the farming aspect of Arizona leafy greens, and Ramiro Ruiz Jr. (Ram628), will help share his perspective as a harvest machinery mechanic.

The celebration also includes contests and giveaways on Instagram and Facebook.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) works to protect public health by cultivating food safety practices, verifying on-farm compliance and utilizing data for improvement