Press Releases
2009 Tree Fruit Crop Estimate Finalized at Spring Meeting
5/1/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gordon Smith
Reedley, CA (559) 638-8260
2009 Tree Fruit Crop Estimate Finalized at Spring Meeting
REEDLEY, Calif. – May 1, 2009: The Boards and Committees of the California Tree Fruit Agreement finalized the 2009 fresh peach, plum and nectarine (PPN) estimates and timing on Thursday, April 30. The industry expects a total crop size of 49.6 million packages: 21.4 million packages of peaches, 8.9 million of plums and 19.2 million of nectarines. Timing is consistent compared to 2008, with the crop overall running 4-5 days later than the historical average which traditionally benefits fruit sizing.
While 2008 yielded the second largest crop in the history of the California PPN industry, the 2009 crop estimates (14 percent decline from 2008) more closely reflect production levels seen during the three years between 2004 and 2006. A return to production levels around the 50 million package level is welcomed by California growers and shippers as it still presents excellent opportunities for domestic retailers to promote, while also providing consistent supplies to trading partners in strategic export markets. The above average production witnessed in 2007 and 2008 led the California tree fruit industry to re-evaluate the supply side of the equation, with a 54% increase in pullouts compared to the 5 year average. Winter and spring growing conditions have been fairly typical with some frost, hail, and wind damage, but any previous concerns about a period of frost in March instead has acted as a thinning tool.
Peaches are estimated at 21.4 million boxes, with 16 million yellow-flesh and 5.4 million Summerwhites®. Nectarines are estimated at 19.2 million boxes of which 4.6 million boxes are Summerwhite® varieties. Estimates for Summerwhite® varieties (peaches and nectarines) are 13 percent below 2008 production, while traditional yellow flesh varieties are off 11 percent. The most significant decline will be in plums, which are expected to be down 30 percent to 8.9 million from over 12 million last year.
“The crop outlook for 2009 is positive for our industry with adequate chilling hours this winter we expect exceptional fruit quality and flavor this summer, always key to consumer satisfaction,” said Sheri Mierau, President of the California Tree Fruit Agreement, “The end of the 2008 season brought many uncertainties, not least of the all the ongoing economic situation, but I believe our industry is in a healthier state today to move forward.”
The crop estimates were prepared in cooperation with California peach, plum and nectarine growers across the state`s growing regions and approved by the Peach Commodity and Nectarine Administrative Committees, as well as the California Tree Fruit Marketing Board and the California Plum Marketing Board on April 30 at the Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, CA.
Originally established in 1933 and headquartered in Reedley, California, the California Tree Fruit Agreement is funded by and administers marketing order programs on behalf of California`s more than 1,100 fresh peach, plum and nectarine growers.
###