Local Farmers Warn Of Possible Pumpkin Shortage This Halloween
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – States in the northeast are facing a pumpkin shortage after Hurricane Irene destroyed hundreds of pumpkin patches in the region.
The shortage could mean fewer jack-o-lanterns this Halloween. Eleanor Gunser works for Active Acres Farm on Highland Road in Bucks County where they plant about 25 acres of pumpkins each year.
Gunser says a really hot summer, followed by flooding, has caused major problems for this year's harvest.
"We don't see the number of pumpkins out there that we should have. Not nearly."
Gunser says the flood waters may have already damaged a large portion of their crop.
"The vines can get moldy and if the pumpkins were sitting in water, you don't know what the bottoms look like."
She says her farm may need to buy the pumpkins they need from other farmers.
"The price is going to be inflated this year because there is such a shortage."
Reported By Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio
