A study published June 15 in the journal Agribusiness found that expanding broccoli production on the U.S. East Coast could meaningfully lower supply chain costs and reduce the industry's dependence on drought-prone growing regions in the West. The research used the U.S. broccoli market as a model for analyzing fresh produce supply chain resilience.
California — particularly the Salinas Valley — dominates domestic broccoli production, making the category highly vulnerable to drought, heat, and water access issues that have become increasingly frequent. The study frames East Coast expansion as a structural hedge against those risks, not just a volume play.
For buyers and category managers, this is worth monitoring as a longer-term sourcing signal. If East Coast production programs gain traction, it could open new supplier relationships and shift regional pricing dynamics for broccoli — a staple that moves serious volume through both retail and foodservice.