Expect Fewer Pumpkins From Long Island For This Halloween
CALVERTON, NY (WCBS 880) - Long Island's all important East End agriculture industry has been hit hard by all this rain and stormy weather of late, and that's bad news for those who want a locally grown pumpkin for Halloween.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story
Podcast
"Some fields are okay, but most have had some damage. Farmers are gonna bring in pumpkins from Canada or Pennsylvania or some other place where they didn't have as much damage," said Long Island Farm Bureau executive director Joe Gergela.
He says you can expect pumpkin prices to be a bit higher this season because of all the wet weather.
It's not just pumpkins, but other crops that have also suffered.
"From apples to zucchini, we've had some trouble with because of weather conditions. So, you know, are people going to notice? Probably," he said.
But he adds the farms still have plenty to offer.
"There's plenty to do. We want people to come out. It's an important part of our economy," he said. "Tourism on Long Island represents about 6 percent of the economy. So, it's a huge economic engine for us."
Do you plan to buy a pumpkin this year? What will you do with it? Sound off below!
