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2008 Prune Crop Estimate
06-03-2008
C.A.S.S. announced 2008 prune crop estimate - June 2, 2008
June 2, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: RICHARD PETERSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD
TELEPHONE: (916) 565-6232
2008 CALIFORNIA PRUNE CROP ESTIMATE
Sacramento, CA (June 2, 2008) - The California Agricultural Statistics Service announced a 2008 prune crop estimate of 120,000 tons. This estimate would represent a 49% increase from the short 2007 California crop reported by handlers to total 80,456 tons but would be 11% below the previous five year average of 134,748 tons.
The industry had been optimistic after favorable weather during the March bloom period, since unseasonably warm weather at bloom had caused significant crop reductions in three of the previous four years. However, a late season frost on April 20 caused severe damage to orchards in low-lying areas and along river bottoms.
The year-end carryover will be down significantly from last year’s 86,075 tons leaving the California prune supply situation very tight once again. This is a disappointment to the industry since both domestic and export shipments have been increasing behind a communications campaign emphasizing California prunes (dried plums) for their digestive health benefits and other nutritional attributes.