Fresh produce marketing challenges and indicator of economic headwinds...?

We grow fresh vegetables for the retail market in Eastern Canada and North Eastern US. This year marketing has been a challenge unlike experiences of the past. Retailers order cycles and volumes are super volatile leading to challenges in predicting demand and what we should harvest vs. leave in the field.

With all the economic challenges we're seemingly facing, is this an indication that things are going to get worse? For folks that market their products into the wholesale market, what strategies are you using to over come this challenge? Historically we plan our production to meet expected demand, and can typically find a home for product when yeilds and harvest are higher than normal. This year, however, we're not harvesting unless we have PO in the system and walking past the "excess" product, in some cases up to 50% of a week's production.

Adding pictures for fun!

Look forward to folk's thoughts!