Strawberry Seedings Climb in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Jan 9/06 - SNS -- Strawberry area planted for major States (California, Florida, and Oregon) in 2006 is forecast at 46,300 acres, up 4% for the same States in 2005 and 6% above the same States in 2004, according to the USDA.

Planted acreage for the major States (California, Florida, and Oregon) is forecast at 46,300 acres, up 4% for the same States last year and 6% above those same States in 2004.

In California, increases in acreage are reported in most major growing areas. December rains helped to strengthen plants, however, a series of storms in late December and early January caused flooding in some areas.

Preparation for the Florida winter crop began at the end of September as growers laid plastic and started transplanting. The strawberry crop received no damage from Hurricane Wilma at the end of October, at which time 90% of the winter crop had been transplanted. Cool temperatures during November and December boosted berry development but slowed plant growth. Picking began by Thanksgiving.

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