Net Drop in Mint Oil Output

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/08 - SNS -- The United States recorded a net decrease in peppermint and spearmint oil production in 2007, according to the USDA final crop report for 2007.

Peppermint oil production in 2007 is estimated at 6.79 million pounds, down 6% from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 73,300 acres, down 7% from 2006. Washington's harvested acreage, at 23,000 acres, is down 1,000 acres from a year ago.

Acreage in Indiana and Wisconsin dropped from 2006, while Idaho, Michigan, and Oregon showed no change from a year ago. Production in Idaho and Washington remained at last year's level, while Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, and Wisconsin reported lower production from 2006.

Spearmint oil production is estimated at 2.38 million pounds for 2007, up 17% from last year and 32% above 2005. Harvested area is estimated at 19,600 acres, up 6% from 2006 and 17% above 2005. Average yield is estimated at 121 pounds of oil per acre, up 11 pounds from last year and 13 pounds above 2005.

Yields increased in Idaho, Indiana, Oregon, and Washington from a year ago, while

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