2001 Fruit Output Down 11%, Values Advances

WASHINGTON - Jul 8/02 - SNS -- The United States recorded an 11% decline in non-citrus fruit output during 2001 resulting in a general increase in commodity values, notes the USDA in its latest annual report on this agricultural sector.

Last year's production of the leading non citrus fruit crops totaled 16.8 million tons, down 11% from the 2000 utilized production. Utilized production decreased from 2000 for all crops except cultivated blueberries, red raspberries, California raspberries, sweet cherries, tart cherries, dates, nectarines, olives, papayas, pears, and California plums.

Value of utilized production for non citrus fruit crops totaled 7.87 billion dollars, down 1% from 2000. The value of apples increased 11% and the value of peaches increased 1%. However, the value of grapes decreased 6%. The value of strawberries was virtually unchanged from 2000.

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