Press Releases
2008 Tree Fruit Crop Estimate Finalized at Spring Meeting
4/30/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheri Mierau
Reedley, CA (559) 638-8260
REEDLEY, Calif. – April 30, 2008: The Boards and Committees of the California Tree Fruit Agreement met on Tuesday, April 29 to finalize the 2008 fresh peach, plum and nectarine estimates and timing, among other important topics. For 2008 the industry can expect a total crop size of 56.6 million packages; 23.8 million for peaches, 11.6 million for plums and 21.2 for nectarines.
With peaches and nectarines expected to produce a similar crop as 2007, the increase is attributed to plums, as the better set and better sizing potential should produce approximately 10% more than last year; even when considering the frost damage that occurred in Tulare County last week.
Of the 23.8 million packages of peaches expected to be harvested, 18 million will be traditional yellow-flesh varieties and 5.7 million will be white-flesh Summerwhite® varieties. As for nectarines, 16.2 million packages of traditional yellow-flesh varieties will be packed, approximately 400,000 packages more than 2007, which can be largely attributed to an increase in early season varieties. Five million packages will consist of white-flesh Summerwhite® nectarine varieties.
“Outlook for the 2008 crop is positive, with adequate chilling hours this winter we can expect better flavor in the fruit,” said Sheri Mierau, President of the California Tree Fruit Agreement, “Along with better sizing the industry is looking forward to a successful season having plenty of fruit to supply promotions all season long.”
Timing is very similar to last year, with the official start dates set to three days later. As the crop progresses out of early season varieties into mid-season varieties the peaks are expected to be comparable to 2007, but still approximately 10-12 days later than in 2006.
“We expect nectarines to start off with a bang come mid-May,” said Mierau “Just in time for Memorial Day promotions and June first feature ads.”
The crop estimates were prepared by CTFA staff 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 29 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.
###