More Cling Peaches Needed

Cling peach growers interested in planting more peaches should contact their local cannery field representative to discuss specific plans and agree on a commitment for the acreage to be planted, states the industry’s cooperative bargaining association.

According to the California Canning Peach Association’s industry newsletter, “Peach Fuzz,” all three canners are currently offering growers long-term contracts for new plantings. Pacific Coast Producers is offering cash contracts with 15-year terms, Del Monte is offering 17-year terms, and Seneca is offering 20-year terms, with the potential to assist growers by loaning funds necessary for tree purchases.

The association’s field staff reports that pullouts to date following the 2013 season now total 2,210 acres. This is the second consecutive year that more than 10% of the state’s bearing acreage has been removed following harvest. As a result, the California industry will fall below 20,000 bearing acres for the first time in modern history.

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States the newsletter: “Given the relatively small amount of non-bearing acres in the ground today, it is clear that the industry will need additional acres planted over the next several years in order to meet market demand.”

Chart-1-Cling-Peach-Trends

The bearing acreage for California cling peaches has dropped sharply in the last 10 years

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Chart-2-Cling-Peach-Acres-Planted

New plantings are also among the lowest levels in years.

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