Steep Drop in Asparagus Crop

WASHINGTON - Sep 7/06 - SNS -- This year's asparagus crop is forecast at 1.45 million cwt (100 pound units) in the United States, down 20% from the revised 2005 production and 30% below 2004, according to the USDA.

Harvested acreage, at 44,200, is down 18% from last year and 28% below two years ago. Fresh production of 1.20 million cwt, decreased 15% from the revised 2005 production and is 21% below two years earlier.

Processed production, at 12,400 tons, is down 36% from 2005 and 54% below 2004. Asparagus for canning, at 8,300 tons, is down 48% from last year. Frozen asparagus production of 4,100 tons, is up 21% from 2005. Total value of the crop, at 135 million dollars, is down 15% from 2005 and 38% less than 2004.

In California, harvested acreage was reduced by 22% from the 2005 season to the 2006 season. This reduced acreage, coupled with drenching rains and unseasonably cool temperatures during the spring, which caused disease problems, combined to reduce production.

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