Almond Harvest Pegged at 940 Million Pounds

MODESTO - May 9/02 - STAT -- The California almond crop is expected to end up 14% higher than last year at a record 940 million pounds, according to the subjective forecast for the 2002 almond crop developed by the California Agricultural Statistics Service (CASS).

The production estimate is based on a survey of growers in the state. CASS forecasts the 2002 bearing acreage to be 530,000 acres.

In releasing the latest data, the CASS said the "almond crop got off to a great start this year. Weather conditions were nearly ideal during the critical bloom and pollination period. However, an early March freeze in the Sacramento Valley caused major damage to trees in Colusa, Glenn, and Yolo counties.

"Crop damage estimates varied significantly with a few growers reporting total losses. The largest loss was in Colusa County, where an estimated 90% of the trees were effected. Despite the freeze, yields are expected to be up 12% from last year. Crop progress appears to be slightly behind normal due to the recent cool weather."

The Objective Measurement Survey, which uses sample almond counts to forecast the crop, is scheduled for release on Thursday, June 27, 2002.

Other market observers believe this year's production increases is also a reflection of the substantial plantings of five to seven years ago. Those trees are now entering their prime production years and good weather across the remainder of the growing season could result in another bumper crop.