Major Jump in Plum and Prune Crop

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/08 - SNS -- Prunes and plum production in Idaho, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 18,800 tons, up 55% from last year but 13% lower than 2006, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Oregon's forecast, at 9,000 tons, is 200% above last year but 14% below 2006. Orchards on the western part of Oregon have rebounded from last year's devastating growing season, thereby accounting for much of the increase in production.

Orchards along the Washington border have also increased their yields from last year. Washington's production is forecast at 4,800 tons, up 14% from 2007 but 11% below the 2006 level. The increased yields in Washington plum and prune orchards are due to a recovery from a poor 2007 growing season. While a mid-April freeze and poor pollination were expected to decrease production, most orchards are unaffected.

The Idaho forecast is 2,700 tons, up 50% from 2007 and 35% from 2006. Idaho orchards increased their yields and rebounded from a poor 2007 growing season. Furthermore, most Idaho prune and plum orchards did not suffer damages from spring freezes and a July hailstorm.

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