Strawberry Area Seen Rising in 2007

WASHINGTON - Jan 8/07 - SNS -- Strawberry area planted for major States (California, Florida, and Oregon) in 2007 is forecast at 47,900 acres, up 3% from 2006 and 7% from 2005 in the same States.

Planted acreage for the major States (California, Florida, and Oregon) is forecast at 47,900 acres, up 3% from 2006 and 7% above 2005 in those same States.

In California, warm weather throughout the coastal berry growing region provided good conditions for planting. Following a record year, growers are anticipating another good year for the strawberry crop.

In Florida, producers began transplanting at the end of September with virtually all planting completed by the end of October. Cooler temperatures at the end of October through November increased the quality of the berry crop. However, very warm temperatures for most of December adversely affected berry quality. Light harvesting started in early November with a moderate amount available for the Thanksgiving Day market. Picking increased steadily as more acreage reached maturity in December.

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