Asparagus Continues Downward Trend

WASHINGTON - Sep 2/05 - SNS -- The U.S. asparagus crop is forecast at 1.56 million cwt (100 pound units), down 9% from 2004 and 15% below 2003, according to the USDA.

Harvested acreage, at 51,000, is down 3% from last year and 12% below two years ago. Fresh production of 1.10 million cwt, decreased 4% from last year and 8% from two years earlier.

Processed production, at 22,900 tons, is down 18% from 2004 and 29% below 2003. Asparagus for canning, at 18,200 tons, is down 15% from last year. Frozen asparagus production of 4,700 tons, is down 29% from 2004. Total value of the crop, at 184 million dollars, is up less than 1% from 2004 and 5% more than 2003.

In California, unusually hot and humid weather during the last two weeks of July, when harvest was at its peak, slowed development of the current asparagus crop. Cooler weather followed in the beginning of August as harvest was winding down in the San Joaquin and Salinas Valley.

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