U.S. Fruit Output Dropped in 2006

WASHINGTON - Jul 6/07 - SNS -- Total utilized non-citrus fruit output in 2006 ended up 8% below the previous year at 16.9 million tons, according to the USDA.

Utilized production increased from 2005 for prunes and plums (ID, MI, OR, and WA), California prunes, Maine wild blueberries, sweet cherries, cultivated blueberries, boysenberries, California all raspberries, dates, cranberries, strawberries, apples, and pears.

The value of utilized production for noncitrus fruit crops totaled 10.5 billion dollars, up 7% from 2005. The value of utilized production for California prunes increased 85%, prunes and plums (ID, MI, OR, and WA) increased 60%, Maine wild blueberries are up 52%, cultivated blueberries increased 45%, apples are up 32%, and California all raspberries increased 24%. However, the utilized value of production for olives decreased 77%, loganberries are down 47%, red raspberries decreased 44%, avocados decreased 41%, apricots decreased 26%, and tart cherries are down 16%.

Utilized apple production for 2006 is estimated at 9.84 billion pounds, up 2% from 2005. Washington's utilized production, at 5.65 billion pounds, is down 1% from 2005. Utilized production in Michigan and New York increased 9% and 20%, respectively. Frost during bloom in Washington was a problem for some growers and protective measures were implemented in many areas. Hail, heavy rains, and high winds during early July caused major damage to the apple crop in north central Washington. In New York, abundant rainfall across the State increased disease pressure and severe weather during the fall caused significant losses to some orchards. These adverse weather conditions resulted in higher than normal unharvested production. In Michigan, freezing temperatures in the northwest during April and cold temperatures in the western part of the State during pollination greatly reduced fruit set. However, plentiful rain in August and September aided fruit sizing.

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