Jan 8, 2008

Fresh vegetable harvested area down 3 percent from last year

The prospective area for harvest of 11 selected fresh-market vegetables during the winter quarter is forecast at 173,700 acres, down 3 percent from last year. Acreage declined for broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, sweet corn, head lettuce, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Acreage increased for snap beans and cabbage. Area harvested for spinach remains unchanged.

Area planted for spring onions, at 32,000 acres, is down 5 percent from 2007. Georgia and Texas reduced planted acreage from 2007, while Arizona and California increased planted acreage.

Strawberry area planted for major states (California, Florida and Oregon) in 2008 is forecast at 47,000 acres, up 1 percent from 2007.