U.S. Plants More Sweet Potato

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/09 - SNS -- Planted area of sweet potatoes is estimated at 106,700 acres for the 2009 season, up 3% from last year, according to the USDA's preliminary seeded estimates for the year.

Harvested area is forecast at 103,300 acres, a 6% increase from 2008. The increase in planted acreage is mainly due to a large increase in acres in California and the addition of Arkansas and Florida to the estimating program beginning this year.

Strong demand for organic sweet potatoes and value-added products such as sweet potato fries encouraged growers in California to increase planted acreage. Planting was complete and harvest was expected to begin in July. Planted area also increased in Alabama despite the extremely wet conditions experienced the past few months.

In North Carolina, bad weather and low prices deterred some growers from planting sweet potatoes and only 44% of the crop was planted as of May 31. Acreage decreases were also seen in Texas and Mississippi. Drought was the main reason for fewer acres in Texas whereas heavy rains in Mississippi frequently interrupted planting. Planted acreage in Louisiana and New Jersey is unchanged from last year.

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