U.S. Peach Harvest Down 5%

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/08 - SNS -- The 2008 peach crop in California, Georgia, and South Carolina is forecast at 910,000 tons, down 5% from 2007 but 12% above two years ago, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 380,000 tons, down 5% from the May 1 forecast and 24% below 2007. California experienced an adequate number of chilling hours, thus benefitting the crop. Weather during the bloom period was also favorable. However, unusually cold temperatures on April 19 and 20 resulted in significant frost damage. The largest impact of the frost damage was in the northern growing areas, with some growers reporting 100% damage. There were also a large number of growers that reported losses in the Modesto area. However, fruit in the southern growing areas were not affected. Harvest will be slightly later this year due to the cooler temperatures.

The California Freestone crop is forecast at 430,000 tons, equal to the May 1 forecast and the 2007 crop. Weather during the bloom period was favorable, although cooler spring temperatures slowed maturity slightly. Crop quality was reported to be excellent, with good sizes. Harvest continued and Spring Snow, Spring Flame, Crimson Lady, and Crown Princess were the major varieties picked.

The South Carolina crop is forecast at 65,000 tons, up more than five times from last year's frost damaged crop. A hail storm during the morning of May 11 passed through the "Ridge" production area and caused some crop damage. Early variety peach harvest was in full swing.

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