E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Marisa Reuber
Friday, July 10, 2009

www.nass.usda.gov/ny



                  NEW YORK PEACH PRODUCTION UP 18 PERCENT

Peach production in New York is forecast at 6,500 tons according to Stephen
Ropel, Director of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New
York Field Office.  The forecasted production, if realized, would be up 18
percent from last year’s level of 5,500 tons and up 3 percent from 2007.
In the Lake Ontario fruit region, the peach crop looks good so far.  There
were some reports of frost and hail damage, but most growers had good
conditions for fruit set and sizing.  The Hudson Valley experienced a very
wet June.  Spotty hail storms affected some growers.  Long Island peaches
were large in size, but the wet weather resulted in a light fruit set.

The U.S. peach production forecast is 1.07 million tons, down 5 percent
from both the 2008 and 2007 crop.  Eleven of the 23 Freestone peach
estimating States expect increases in production from last year, while nine
States decreased their production from the previous season, and three
States showed no change.  Freestone production, at 631,040 tons, is down 11
percent from last season.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 440,000 tons, unchanged from
the June 1 forecast but 3 percent above the 2008 crop.  This season's bloom
was reported as good to very good in all growing areas.  Freezing
temperatures in early March resulted in slight frost damage in some areas.
However, early March rainstorms gave way to good weather for pruning,
spraying, and tree planting.  By the end of April, the fruit was starting
to differentiate in size.  Harvest began on June 18, which was the same
starting date as last year.  The California Freestone crop is forecast at
350,000 tons, down 5 percent from the June 1 forecast and 19 percent below
the 2008 crop.  Freezing temperatures in early March, along with decreased
bearing acres, has resulted in a lower production forecast.  Harvest
continued during June with Brittney Lane, Crimson Lady, Spring Flame,
Earlirich, Sierra Snow, and Ivory Princess being the major varieties.

The South Carolina peach crop is forecast at 60,000 tons, down 8 percent
from the June 1 forecast but unchanged from 2008.  Peach harvest is running
slightly ahead of the five year average with the crop reported as mainly in
good condition.

Georgia's peach crop is forecast at 35,000 tons, up 9 percent from the June
1 forecast and 25 percent above 2008.  The crop has been rated mostly good
this season, with some frost and disease damage reported.

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7-10-09