California Peach Crop Down

WASHINGTON - May 12/06 - SNS -- The California 2006 peach crop is forecast at 770,000 tons, down 11% from 2005 and 21% below two years ago, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The California Freestone crop is forecast at 370,000 tons, down 4% from last year and 15% below the 2004 crop. Cool, wet weather during the spring has delayed California's Freestone Peach crop progress. Early variety fruit set is reported to be normal. However, set in the mid to late season varieties is reported to be lighter and inconsistent. This lower set is the result of frost which occurred earlier in this year.

Harvest began with the Earlitreat variety during the last week of April, about 10 days later than last year. California was hit with many hail storms during March. Several growers reported minor damage from the storms, but few have extensive damage. However, hail damage is not expected to significantly lower crop production.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 400,000 tons, down 17% from last year and 26% below the 2004 crop. Rain during March and April, along with below average temperatures, have California growers concerned about their 2006 Clingstone peach crop.

However, warmer temperatures toward the later part of April helped fruit growth. The early variety fruit reportedly had the best fruit set, while the late and extra late varieties appear to have the lightest sets. Harvest is expected to begin 10 to 14 days later than last year, due to cool spring temperatures.

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