Having just returned from the mint country where I walked the fields, I can report that the crops are easily 2-3 weeks behind schedule due to a cold and wet Spring. Given the state of global agriculture and the uncertainty of the weather, the growers are hesitant to offer oil until the harvest is complete.
The Pacific Northwest mint growing areas are forecasted to be down as much as 20% from last year. Up until May, many of the growing areas were extremely concerned with the water supply as the snow pack was severely below normal levels. Thankfully, some of the water shortage was alleviated with precipitation this Spring. However, the apparent scare did have an effect on planting mint. In addition, and just as compelling, are the very healthy agricultural prices for alternate crops like corn and wheat, etc. Growers easily made the switch from mint with the triple digit increases in input costs such as fertilizers and pesticides. It almost goes without saying that given the soaring energy costs mint prices will be considerably higher than last year.
We continue to speak to growers and will start to offer oil in August or September.
C&A has been working with some of the same farmers in the Pacific Northwest for generations and is here to help you manage the challenging situation.
As always, C&A maintains inventories and invites your inquiries.
