More Apricots, Less Prunes in California

WASHINGTON - Jun 11/07 - SNS -- Prune production is down sharply in California this season, while apricot production is more than double last year, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

California's 2007 prune production forecast is 95,000 dried tons, down 47% from last year's crop of 180,000 tons and 2% below the 2005 crop.

The 2007 prune crop experienced an extremely warm period during bloom. The bloom time was one of the shortest in recent years, with several reports of dry weather conditions during bloom hampering bee pollination activities. As a result of poor pollination, fruit set was depressed. Production was also hindered due to stressed orchards recovering from the previous year's high production.

California's 2007 production forecast is 90,000 tons, up 131% from the 2006 crop and 19% more than 2005. After a greatly reduced crop last year, the production of California apricots has rebounded.

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