Smaller Apricot Harvest in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/08 - SNS -- The final forecast for the 2008 apricot crop is 86,840 tons, down 2% from the 2007 crop but up 95% from 2006, according to the latest USDA crop report.

California's 2008 apricot production, which represents 94% of the total 2008 U.S. apricot production, is projected to be 82,000 tons, down 6% from the June forecast but up 1% from 2007.

Growers experienced near perfect weather during the bloom period. Frost damage in late April ruined some orchards, however, most were spared. Harvest began in mid-May and continued into early July. Fruit was expected to be high quality but small in size.

Washington's 2008 apricot production is forecast at 4,500 tons, down 38% from 2007 and 13% below 2006. Low spring temperatures, along with a devastating mid-April frost, led to heavy bloom losses. Poor pollination during the bloom further exacerbated the reduction in yield. The 2008 production for Utah is 340 tons, up 31% from 2007 and up 21% from 2006. While frost from a mid-April freeze damaged trees in the State, most of the orchards received optimal weather during growth.

        Miscellaneous Fruits and Nuts:  Total Production by Crop, State,
            and United States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted July 1, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                  Total Production
      Crop and State      :-----------------------------------------------------
                          :      2006       :      2007       :      2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                        Tons
Apricots                  :
  CA                      :       39,000            81,000            82,000
  UT                      :          280               260               340
  WA                      :        5,200             7,200             4,500
                          :
  US                      :       44,480            88,460            86,840
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1/  Fresh equivalent of dried and not dried.