California Prune and Apricots Up

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/08 - SNS -- Production of apricots and prunes is up sharply in California this year, though the prune harvest will remain below levels achieved in 2006, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

California's 2008 prune production forecast is 120,000 dried tons, up 45% from last year's below normal crop of 83,000 tons but 39% below the 2006 crop. The 2008 prune crop was hit by a mid-April frost, with some growers reportedly losing 25 to 100% of their crop. Poor pollination during the blooming season was also reported by growers. Farmers were still evaluating the extent of the damage.

California's 2008 production forecast is 87,000 tons, up 7% from the 2007 crop and 123% more than 2006. Optimal weather during blooming created hopes of a record yield. While frost damage was reported by some growers in late April, cool weather in May promoted good size and quality. However, the expected large crop is raising concerns among growers about marketing their fruit.

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