Weighted average source distance* (WASD) estimations for produce arriving by truck at the Chicago Terminal Market - 1998

 

Fresh produce type

Distance by truck - Continental U.S. only* (miles)

Number of states supplying

Percent of total originating from Mexico

(percent)

Apples

1,555

8

0

Asparagus

1,671

5

37

Beans

766

11

10

Blueberries

675

6

0

Broccoli

2,095

3

3

Cabbage

754

17

< 1

Carrots

1,774

6

3

Cauliflower

2,118

3

2

Celery

1,788

4

3

Sweet Corn

813

16

7

Cucumbers

731

17

36

Eggplant

861

8

36

Grapes (table)

2,143

1

7

Greens

889

11

2

Lettuce (iceberg)

2,040

7

0

Lettuce (Romaine)

2,055

6

0

Mushrooms

381

4

0

Onions (Dry)

1,675

15

10

Peaches

1,674

8

2

Pears

1,997

4

0

Peas (green)

2,102

1

30

Peppers (bell)

1,261

12

27

Potatoes (table)

1,239

14

0

Pumpkins

233

5

0

Spinach

2,086

6

< 1

Squash

781

12

43

Strawberries

1,944

2

15

Sweet Potatoes

1,093

4

0

Tomatoes

1,369

18

34

Watermelons

791

14

2

 

* The weighted average source distance is a single distance figure that combines information on distances from production source to consumption or purchase endpoint.  For these calculations, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service arrival data for 1998 were used to identify production origin (state).  Distances from production origin to Chicago were estimated by using a city located in the center of each state as the production origin, and then calculating a one-way road distance to Chicago using the Internet site Mapquest (mapquest.com).  All estimations do not include distance from the Chicago Terminal Market to point of retail sale.

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