A survey of California dried plum (prune) growers puts the 2018 crop at 80,000 tons, down 24% from last season’s 105,000 tons.
Almost all dried plums grown in California are the French prune variety, according to a summary of the report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Pacific Regional Office conducted the survey May 8-31.
Bearing acreage is estimated at 44,000, which is unchanged from 2017, but a drop in yield-per-ton from 2.39 tons 1.82 tons is resulting in a drop in estimated production for the season.
The growing season had “variable” growing conditions, according to the summary, affecting yields.
“Growers reported concerns due to variable weather and growing conditions,” according to the survey summary. “However, orchard conditions improved during the season and some producers reported a good fruit set.”
The USDA used a random sample design based on total dried plum acreage for each grower, according to the release. The agency mailed surveys to growers and followed up with phone calls to those who didn’t respond. A total of 206 growers participated.
The USDA will release more numbers from the 2017 crop on June 24, including utilized production and value of the crop, in the Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts Annual.
