Peach Harvest Soars 22%

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/24 - SNS -- United States peach total production for the 2024 season is forecast at 719,000 tons, up 22% from 2023, according to the USDA.

In California, the largest growing State, production is forecast at 530,000 tons, up 4% from the previous forecast and up 10% from 2023.

California Freestone production is forecast at 300,000 tons, up 7% from the previous forecast and up 16% from 2023. California Clingstone production is forecast at 230,000 tons, unchanged from the previous forecast and up 4% from 2023.

South Carolina production is forecast at 105,000 tons, up 171% from last year. Peaches thrived throughout the season with ample chill hours, a mild spring, no freezes and a hot, dry summer. Operators are reporting a full crop with high yields. Harvest is expected be complete by late August/early September.

Georgia production is forecast at 37,000 tons, up 651% from last year. Ample chill hours, mild and wet spring, no freezes, and a hot dry summer made for an abundant peach crop and above average season. Peach harvest should be complete by mid-August.

Peach Production - States and United States: 2023 and Forecasted August 1, 2024
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                    :                     Total production
        State       :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :            2023             :            2024
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                    :                           tons
                    :
California .........:           480,000                       530,000
  Freestone ........:           259,000                       300,000
  Clingstone .......:           221,000                       230,000
Colorado ...........:            15,600                        12,000
Georgia ............:             4,930                        37,000
Michigan ...........:            11,250                         7,500
New Jersey .........:            14,200                        11,500
Pennsylvania .......:            17,500                        16,000
South Carolina .....:            38,800                       105,000
Washington 1/ ......:             6,260                          (NA)
                    :
United States ......:           588,540                       719,000
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(NA) Not available.
1/   Estimates discontinued in 2024.