E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Marisa Reuber
Friday, July 9, 2010

www.nass.usda.gov/ny


                   NEW YORK PEACH PRODUCTION DOWN 5 PERCENT 

Peach production in New York is forecast at 6,200 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 down 5 percent 
from last year’s level of 6,500 tons, but up 13 percent from 2008. In the Lake 
Ontario fruit region, the peach crop looked good so far and was sizing well. 
The region had an abundance of rain this season, and growers were looking for 
some sunshine. A heavy crop in some areas of the region resulted in lots of 
thinning, while other areas reported that spring frost damaged the crop and 
reduced yields. The Hudson Valley experienced cold temperatures on May 10th & 
11th. This led several growers to report frost damage to their crops, and 
consequently, lower yields were expected. Some growers also reported dry 
conditions and a need for rain. Long Island was expecting a good crop of peaches. 

The United States peach production forecast is 1.13 million tons, up 2 percent 
from 2009. Fourteen of the twenty-three Freestone peach estimating States expect 
increases in production from last year, while six States decreased their 
production from the previous season, and three States showed no change. Freestone 
production, at 707,090 tons, is up 11 percent from last season. 

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 420,000 tons, up 2 percent from 
the June 1 forecast but 10 percent below the 2009 crop. The crop experienced an 
adequate number of chilling hours for tree requirements. Full bloom, on a 
statewide basis, was declared on March 9, six days later than in 2009. This 
season’s bloom was not as strong as last year and occurred over a longer period 
of time. Rain and colder than normal spring temperatures have slowed crop 
development. The Late and Extra Late varieties are reported to be lighter than 
normal. Harvest began on June 23, five days later than last year. The California 
Freestone crop is forecast at 355,000 tons, down 3 percent from the June 1 
forecast but 1 percent above the 2009 crop. Bloom started out quickly but was 
slowed due to cool spring temperatures. Lack of warm weather resulted in 
pollination problems. Hail damage affected various growing areas throughout the 
spring. Harvest continued during June with June Flame, Country Sweet, Earlirich, 
and Rich Lady the major varieties harvested. 

The South Carolina peach crop is forecast at 120,000 tons, unchanged from the 
June 1 forecast but up 60 percent from 2009. The month of June was unseasonably 
warm and very dry, which limited peach size. 

Georgia’s peach crop is forecast at 40,000 tons, down 5 percent from the June 1 
forecast but 25 percent above 2009. The crop has been rated mostly excellent 
this season and, if realized, will be the largest crop since 2006. 

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7-09-10 


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