Sweet Potato Area Climbs 3%

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/08 - SNS -- Planted area of sweet potatoes in the United States is estimated at 104,100 acres for the 2008 season, up 3% from last year, according to the USDA's seeded area estimates.

Harvested area is forecast at 100,800 acres, up 3% from 2007. The acreage increase is due mainly to favorable growing conditions in the largest States. Planted acres increased from 2007 in all but three of the sweet potato States.

In North Carolina, 82% of fields were transplanted as of June 15 and 90% of the crop was rated fair to excellent. In Louisiana, transplanting got off to a good start, but was interrupted by wet conditions. By June 1, sweet potatoes were 25% transplanted, compared to 38% this time last year and a 5-year average of 33%.

Planting in California was essentially complete and growers were expecting a good year due to the combination of strong demand and expected high yields. In Alabama, top soil moisture was 73% adequate, much different from last season's drought conditions. The crop was rated in good condition in New Jersey.

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