U.S. Peach Harvest Rising

WASHINGTON - Jun 11/07 - SNS -- The 2007 peach crop in California, Georgia, and South Carolina is forecast at 865,000 tons, up 6% from 2006 but 12% below two years ago, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 450,000 tons, equal to the May 1 forecast but 25% above 2006. California experienced an adequate number of chilling hours which benefitted the Clingstone crop.

Overall, the bloom was reported to be good on all varieties. Thinning is progressing slowly due to labor shortages and heavy fruit sets. Fruit size appears to be small at this point, but the fruit looks very clean. Harvest is expected to begin in Kingsburg the week of June 10, about a week earlier than last year.

The California Freestone crop is forecast at 390,000 tons, equal to the May 1 forecast but 10% above the 2006 crop. The crop was reported to be of excellent quality with good sizes. The bloom period was fairly quick with above average temperatures and no rain. Harvest continued during May with Super Rich, Snow Angel, and Spring Snow the major varieties picked.

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