Slow start at NorCal farmers markets
Regional crop reports show a slow, uneven growing season with weather-driven delays, but Northern California microclimates may still be bringing early strawberries, greens and peas to local markets — arrive early for best picks. Vendors may also offer ‘seconds’ at discounts later in the day as supply adjusts. (rfdtv.com) (fresnobee.com)
RFD News’ March 23, 2026 regional crop recap, by Tony St. James, described “spring weather creat[ing] uneven early season field conditions” across the U.S., noting variability in fieldwork windows by region. (rfdtv.com) The same RFD News recap singled out West and Southwest California as having dry conditions that supported orchard and fieldwork this week while flagging long‑term water availability and irrigation planning as ongoing grower concerns. (rfdtv.com) Fresno Bee coverage of the region’s slow start emphasizes Central Valley field delays and describes how those timing shifts are already affecting local market supply chains and vendor scheduling for the spring selling season. (fresnobee.com) Niles Farmers Market in Fremont operates year‑round on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and publicly accepts SNAP/CalFresh, Veggie RX and other food‑assistance vouchers at the information booth. (nilesfarmersmarket.org) The Niles market’s vendor roster states that growers sell 100% of the produce they offer at the market, a sourcing policy that ties weekly stall availability directly to nearby field conditions and harvest timing. (nilesfarmersmarket.org) Irvington Farmers’ Market in Fremont runs Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. under the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association and lists berries among recent stall offerings, indicating some East Bay microclimates are starting to move seasonal fruit into local markets. (usmenuguide.com)
