ONION GROWERS SUFFER UNDER THE WEIGHT OF WINTER

Collapsed onion facility in Nyssa, Oregon (Source: Snake River Produce Facebook page)

Onion growers in Idaho and Oregon are suffering heavy losses, as many of their storage facilities collapse under the weight of snow and ice.

As of Jan. 18, it is estimated that more than 18 roofs have collapsed on storage and packing facilities throughout the Treasure Valley.

Produce Alliance reports that the losses, as well as the overall impact to the onion market, are still unknown at this point. However, the general manager of Haun Packing in Weiser says that the damages will be significant, since the facilities themselves are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that doesn’t even account for damage to product and equipment. Meanwhile, onion prices are on the rise, as supply exceeds demand. Some growers report that onion prices are more than double what they were before the recent storms.

More snow is expected over the next few days in the western Treasure Valley, and while snow accumulation amounts aren’t forecasted to be much more than 1-3 inches, additional snow will only add to the challenges for the local onion industry as it digs out from one of the worst storms in decades.