Noncitrus Fruit Output Rose in 2008

WASHINGTON - Jul 8/09 - SNS -- Utilized production of the leading noncitrus fruit crops grown in the United States totaled 17.6 million tons, up 3% from the 2007 utilized production, according to the USDA.

Utilized production increased from 2007 for CA prunes, prunes and plums (ID, MI, OR, and WA), cultivated and wild blueberries, cranberries, CA dates, apples, nectarines, CA plums, strawberries, grapes, and HI papayas.

The value of utilized production for noncitrus fruit crops totaled 11.1 billion dollars, down 3% from 2007. The value of utilized production for CA olives decreased 45%, CA plums are down 44%, avocadoes decreased 38%, ME wild blueberries are down 34%, OR loganberries decreased 28%, boysenberries and HI bananas both decreased 24%, CA dates decreased 23%, and CA all raspberries are down 21%. However, the utilized value of production for red raspberries increased 210%, CA prunes increased 67%, OR black raspberries increased 62%, cranberries increased 37%, prunes and plums (ID, MI, OR, and WA) increased 19%, and tart cherries increased 18%.

Utilized apple production for 2008 is estimated at 9.68 billion pounds, up 7% from 2007. Utilized production in Washington increased 12% to 5.80 billion pounds from 2007. New York's utilized production decreased 6% from 2007, and Michigan's utilized production decreased 22% from 2007. Washington reported good weather late in the season, which allowed the apple harvest to run longer, resulting in a near record crop size and larger than normal proportion of small apples.

New York's apple growers experienced a mixed year, with reduced yields caused by poor weather conditions in early summer. However, warm days and cool nights later in the season, resulted in outstanding harvest conditions for apples not damaged by hail. Michigan apple yields were above average, despite frosts and hail damage, with excellent yields reported for late varieties that benefited from early fall precipitation. Most of the Southeast and Midwest apple crop States have recovered from the 2007 frost, with yields and production amounts returning to average historic levels.

Utilized grape production for 2008 is estimated at 7.29 million tons, up 3% from the 2007 crop. The California crop, which accounts for 90% of the 2008 U.S. utilized grape production, is up 5% from the previous year. Also for California, wine type production decreased 7%, while table type and raisin type production rose 23% and 16% from 2007, respectively. Utilized production increased from 2007 in all grape States except Arizona, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. Growers in some Midwest States experienced a spring freeze that reduced yields.

Utilized peach production for 2008 is estimated at 1.11 million tons, virtually unchanged from the previous year and 13% above 2006. The California crop, accounting for 77% of the U.S. utilized peach production, is down 9% from 2007. For California, the Clingstone peach variety utilized production is down 15% and the Freestone peach variety utilized production is down 3% from 2007. Unusually cold temperatures on April 19 and 20, 2008 resulted in significant frost damage, with the largest impact occurring in the northern growing areas. Some growers reported a total loss. Also, a large number of growers in the Modesto area reported frost damage.

California's weather during the Freestone bloom period was very beneficial, although cooler spring temperatures slowed maturity. The crop was of excellent quality, with good sizes reported.

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