S.C. FALL FRESH VEGETABLES HARVESTED ACREAGE

Columbia, S.C., October 13, 2005: Fresh market cucumber producers in South Carolina plan to harvest 700 acres this fall, down 30 percent from 2004's 1,000 acres and no change from 2003, according to the USDA NASS South Carolina Field Office. South Carolina's fall acreage for 2005 has decreased significantly. Precipitation levels that were well below normal contributed greatly to the decrease in acres. Also, many coastal areas that were fortunate enough to receive moisture were saturated and thus were susceptible to disease problems.

U. S. FRESH VEGETABLE HARVESTED ACREAGE UP

The U. S. prospective area for harvest of 11 selected fresh market vegetables during the fall quarter is forecast at 163,900 acres, up 3 percent from last year. Acreage increased for snap beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, sweet corn and bell peppers while acreage decreased for celery, head lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. Acreage for cabbage remained the same. Area forecasted for melon harvest is 15,800 acres, up 35 percent from last year. Cantaloup harvested area is forecast at 12,300 acres, up 45 percent from 2004. Honeydew harvested area is forecast at 3,500 acres, up 9 percent from last fall.

For additional information call:

     Robert A. Graham, Director

     Stan Cheek, Agricultural Statistician