PEACH PRODUCTION

Columbia, S.C., July 13, 2004:   Based on July 1 conditions, the SOUTH CAROLINA peach crop is forecast at 75,000 tons, down 6 percent from the June 1 forecast but 7 percent above 2004, according to the USDA NASS, South Carolina Field Office. Crop maturity is behind schedule due to cool weather during spring and early summer, as well as recent precipitation. Precipitation was well above normal for the month of June, slowing harvest. Fruit condition has deteriorated from last month, but still was mostly good.

The July 2005 forecast of UNITED STATES peach production is 1.24 million tons, down 5 percent from 2004 and 2 percent below two years ago. Twenty of the 28 peach estimating States expect declines in production from last year, while 8 States increased their production from the previous season.

The California Clingstone crop is forecast at 530,000 tons, up 4 percent from the June 1 forecast but 2 percent below the 2004 crop. The California Freestone crop is forecast at 410,000 tons, unchanged from the June 1 forecast but 6 percent below the 2004 crop.

Georgia's peach crop is forecast at 40,000 tons, down 11 percent from the June 1 forecast and down 24 percent from 2004.

North Carolina's peach crop, forecast at 6,000 tons, is up 71 percent from last year and double the 2003 season. This is the State's best peach crop since 1999. Quality is reported to be good.

For additional information call:  Robert A. Graham, Director

                                                 Stan Cheek, Agricultural Statistician