Mint Oil Output Increases

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/07 - SNS -- Spearmint and peppermint oil production rose in the United States in 2006, according to the USDA 's final production estimate fore 2006.

Production of peppermint oil in 2006 is estimated at 7.25 million pounds, up 4% from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 79,200 acres, up 4% from 2005. Growers in Washington showed a harvested acreage increase of 4%.

Idaho, Indiana, and Wisconsin producers increased their acreage by 11%, 9% and 25%, respectively. Michigan's harvested acreage, at 700, dropped 30% from a year ago, while Oregon showed a 4% decline. The U.S. average yield is 92 pounds of oil per acre, unchanged from last year.

Spearmint oil production is estimated at 2.04 million pounds for 2006, up 13% from last year's revised estimate and 11% above 2004. Harvested area is estimated at 18,500 acres, up 11% from 2005 and 17% above 2004. Average yield is estimated at 110 pounds of oil per acre, up 2 pounds from last year but 6 pounds below 2004.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here