Peach Harvest Advances 4%

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/02 - SNS -- The July 2002 forecast of U.S. peach production is 2.55 billion pounds, up 4% from 2001 but 2% below two years ago, according to the latest USDA crop production estimate. Ten States forecast increases in production from last year while 17 States expect declines and 2 States remain unchanged.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 1.05 billion pounds, unchanged from the June 1 forecast but 10% above 2001. Weather conditions were good during the Clingstone bloom period. Set is reported to be lighter in the Sacramento Valley than in the northern San Joaquin Valley. Harvest began during the middle of June with excellent quality reported.

The California Freestone crop is forecast at 830 million pounds, unchanged from the June 1 forecast but 7% above 2001. The Freestone peach crop continues to progress smoothly with approximately 30% of the harvest completed by the end of June.

The South Carolina peach crop is forecast at 160 million pounds, down 11% from the June 1 forecast but 60% above 2001. Expectations of the largest crop in several years have been hindered by a period of reduced precipitation. Dry weather has reduced fruit size and yield for much of the State. Coastal areas of the State have received good rains, but most of the State's peach producing areas are in the midlands and upstate regions. North Carolina's peach crop, forecast at 20.0 million pounds, is up 67% from last year but 37% below two years ago. Fruit quality is good but size is small due to the dry weather during June.

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