Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Fruit orchards are providing larger crops thanks in large part to California growers.

California Ag Today's Patrick Cavanaugh has been looking at the numbers.

Tree fruit from California and the rest of the U.S. has been more plentiful this year. Government estimates peach crops up 13% and the cherry harvest up 5% compared to a year ago. The overall U.S. pear crop will be similar to last year, but California production will be up 15%. Grape production will also be close to last year's, with the California table-grape crop expected to match last year's record. Estimates also show apple production up 4%,

Meanwhile, the 2018/19 U.S. citrus season finished with output gains for all citrus fruit, contributing to lower citrus prices for the season. Early forecast of reduced navel orange production in California will likely support fresh orange prices in 2019/20.

While up in California, nationally grape crops are expected to be reduced. The same is said for tart cherry production.

U.S. tree nut supplies in 2019/20 will also be down from last year’s record on forecast smaller crops of almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, signaling higher grower prices for these crops.