Vegetable release, April 3, 2008

Vegetables
Washington, D.C.

Released April 3, 2008, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S.
Department of Agriculture. For information on Vegetables call Debbie Flippin at (202) 720-2157, office hours 7:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. ET.

Spring Season Fresh Market Vegetables Down 1 Percent
Processed Vegetable Contracted Acreage Down 2 Percent
Onion Acreage Down 6 Percent
The prospective area for harvest of 11 selected fresh market vegetables during the spring quarter is forecast
at 203,300 acres, down 1 percent from last year. Acreage declines for snap beans, carrots, cauliflower, head
lettuce, bell peppers, and tomatoes more than offset acreage increases for broccoli, cabbage, celery, and
sweet corn. Cucumber area remains unchanged. Melon acreage for spring harvest is forecast at 72,450,
down 2 percent from last year. Watermelon acreage is down 1 percent from 2007 while cantaloup acreage
declined 4 percent from a year ago. Honeydew melon acreage remains unchanged from 2007. Asparagus
area for spring harvest is forecast at 34,100 acres, down 11 percent from last year. Strawberry area for
harvest is forecast at 46,500 acres, up 2 percent from a year ago.
Processors expect to contract 1.18 million acres of the 5 major processed vegetable crops in the U.S. this
year, down 2 percent from last year. Contracted acreage declines are forecast for snap beans and tomatoes,
while sweet corn, cucumbers for pickles, and green peas show increases. Freezing firms expect to contract
401,350 acres, down 2 percent from last year. Acreage for snap beans is down 12 percent while green pea
acreage is up 2 percent from last year. Acreage for sweet corn is virtually unchanged. Canneries contracted
for 781,610 acres, down 2 percent from 2007. Acreage declined for snap beans, green peas, and tomatoes,
down 9 percent, 1 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. Acreage increased for sweet corn and cucumbers for
pickles, up 3 percent and 4 percent, respectively.
Total planted onion area for all seasons in 2008 is forecast at 155,750 acres, down 6 percent from last year.
Spring onions are expected to be harvested from 29,400 acres in 2008, down 5 percent from 2007. Georgia
and Texas combined production is forecast at 6.22 million cwt, 2 percent below last year. Summer nonstorage onion planted area, at 20,100 acres, is down 6 percent from a year ago. Total summer onion area, at
124,150 acres, is down 6 percent from the previous year.

Vg 1-1 (4-08)

Contents
Page
Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons
Asparagus .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Beans, Snap .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Broccoli ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Cabbage ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Cantaloup ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Carrots .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Cauliflower ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Celery ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Corn, Sweet .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Cucumbers.................................................................................................................................................... 7
Honeydew Melons........................................................................................................................................ 7
Lettuce, Head................................................................................................................................................ 7
Onions, Spring.......................................................................................................................................... 8, 9
Summer Non-storage...................................................................................................................... 9
Summer Storage ............................................................................................................................. 9
Peppers, Bell................................................................................................................................................. 7
Strawberries .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Tomatoes ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Watermelons................................................................................................................................................. 7
Processing Vegetables
Beans, Snap .................................................................................................................................................14
Corn, Sweet .................................................................................................................................................15
Cucumbers for Pickles.................................................................................................................................16
Peas, Green ..................................................................................................................................................17
Tomatoes .....................................................................................................................................................18
Fresh Market Crop Comments ................................................................................................................10
Processing Crop Comments.......................................................................................................... 19
Processing Vegetables, by Utilization and Crop ............................................................................ 12
Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons, by Season and Crop ..............................................4

Vegetables
April 2008

2

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Vegetables
April 2008

3

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons: Area Harvested by Season
and Crop, Major States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
(Domestic Units)
Area
Season
Harvested
and
Crop
2006
2007
Acres

Winter
Spring
Snap Beans
Broccoli 1
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower 1
Celery 1
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers
Head Lettuce
Bell Peppers 1
Tomatoes
Total 11 Vegetables
Cantaloup
Honeydew Melons
Watermelon
Total 3 Melons
Total Spring Crop
1
Includes fresh market and processing.

Vegetables
April 2008

Acres

For
Harvest
2008
Acres

179,100

179,600

173,700

22,200
34,500
7,000
18,600
8,500
5,600
33,000
7,200
34,300
7,600
28,500

20,700
35,000
6,900
16,400
8,200
5,700
32,500
7,200
37,200
7,400
27,900

20,200
36,000
7,900
15,900
7,800
6,000
34,700
7,200
36,000
7,100
24,500

207,000

205,100

203,300

31,600
3,900
38,700

31,400
3,850
38,800

30,100
3,850
38,500

74,200

74,050

72,450

281,200

279,150

275,750

4

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons: Area Harvested by Season
and Crop, Major States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
(Metric Units)
Area
Season
Harvested
and
Crop
2006
2007
Hectares

Hectares

For
Harvest
2008
Hectares

Winter

72,480

72,680

70,290

Spring
Snap Beans
Broccoli 1
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower 1
Celery 1
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers
Head Lettuce
Bell Peppers 1
Tomatoes

8,980
13,960
2,830
7,530
3,440
2,270
13,350
2,910
13,880
3,080
11,530

8,380
14,160
2,790
6,640
3,320
2,310
13,150
2,910
15,050
2,990
11,290

8,170
14,570
3,200
6,430
3,160
2,430
14,040
2,910
14,570
2,870
9,910

Total 11 Vegetables 2

83,770

83,000

82,270

Cantaloup
Honeydew Melons
Watermelon

12,790
1,580
15,660

12,710
1,560
15,700

12,180
1,560
15,580

30,030

29,970

29,320

113,800

112,970

111,590

Total 3 Melons 2
Total Spring Crop 2
1
Includes fresh market and processing.
2
Totals may not add due to rounding.

Vegetables
April 2008

5

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons: Area Harvested by Crop, State,
and Total, Spring Season, 2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
Area
Crop
Usual
For
Harvested
and
Harvest
Harvest
State
Period
2006
2007
2008
Acres

Snap Beans
FL
GA
NJ

Cabbage
FL
GA
NJ
TX

11,100
8,000
1,600

11,300
7,300
1,600

22,200

20,700

20,200

Apr-Jun

34,500

35,000

36,000

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jun
May-Aug
Apr-Jun

1,400
3,900
1,000
700

1,800
3,600
1,000
500

1,900
4,400
1,000
600

7,000

6,900

7,900

14,300
11,000
4,600
1,700

14,200
11,200
4,600
1,400

12,500
10,700
5,600
1,300

31,600

31,400

30,100

18,000
600

16,000
400

15,500
400

18,600

16,400

15,900

Total
Cantaloup
AZ
CA
GA
TX

May-Aug
Apr-Jun
Apr-Jun
Apr-Jun

Total
Carrots
CA
TX

Acres

11,000
9,600
1,600

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jun
Jun-Aug

Total
Broccoli 1
CA

Acres

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jun

Total
Cauliflower 1
CA

Apr-Jun

8,500

8,200

7,800

Celery 1
CA

Apr-Jun

5,600

5,700

6,000

Sweet Corn
CA
FL

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jul

12,000
21,000

12,000
20,500

13,000
21,700

33,000

32,500

Total
See footnote(s) at end of table.

Vegetables
April 2008

6

34,700
--continued

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons: Area Harvested by Crop, State,
and Total, Spring Season, 2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008 (continued)
Area
Crop
Usual
For
Harvested
and
Harvest
Harvest
State
Period
2006
2007
2008
Acres

Cucumbers
FL
SC
TX

Apr-Jun
May-Aug
Apr-Jun

Total
Honeydew Melons
CA
TX

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jun

Total
Head Lettuce
CA
NJ 2

Apr-Jun

Total
Bell Peppers 1
FL
TX 3

Apr-Jul

Total
Tomatoes
CA
FL
SC

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jul
May-Aug

Total
Watermelons
CA
FL
TX

Apr-Jun
Apr-Jul
Apr-Jun

Total
Includes fresh market and processing.
2
Estimates discontinued in 2008.
3
Estimates discontinued in 2007.

Acres

Acres

5,500
1,100
600

5,600
1,200
400

5,800
1,000
400

7,200

7,200

7,200

3,200
700

3,200
650

3,200
650

3,900

3,850

3,850

34,000
300

37,000
200

36,000

34,300

37,200

36,000

7,500
100

7,400

7,100

7,600

7,400

7,100

8,000
17,500
3,000

8,000
17,200
2,700

7,000
15,000
2,500

28,500

27,900

24,500

3,300
25,300
10,100

3,400
24,800
10,600

3,600
24,300
10,600

38,700

38,800

38,500

1

Vegetables
April 2008

7

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Crop,
Season,
and State

Fresh Market Vegetables: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production
by Crop, Season, State, and Total, 2006-2007 and Forecasted 2008
Area
Yield per Acre
Production
For
Harvested
2006 2007 2008
2006
2007
Harvest
2006
2007
2008
Acres

Acres

22,500
11,700
9,000

20,000
11,200
7,000

16,600
11,000
6,500

23
22
42

29
21
43

518
257
378

580
235
301

Total

43,200

38,200

34,100

27

29

1,153

1,116

Onions
Spring 2
AZ 3
CA 3
GA
TX

1,000
7,900
10,500
15,200

1,200
7,400
12,000
10,400

1,500
7,400
11,000
9,500

490
415
310
270

450
450
270
300

490
3,279
3,255
4,104

540
3,330
3,240
3,120

Total

34,600

31,000

29,400

322

330

11,128

10,230

Strawberries 1
CA
FL
OR 3

35,800
7,300
2,100

35,500
8,300
1,900

36,700
8,000
1,800

590
280
110

605
320
130

21,163
2,044
230

21,540
2,656
247

23,437

24,443

Asparagus
Spring
CA
MI
WA

Acres

Cwt

Cwt

Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

2008
1,000 Cwt

1

Major States
46,500 519
45,700
45,200
Total
1
Includes fresh market and processing.
2
Primarily fresh market.
3
First production forecast will be published July 10, 2008.

Vegetables
April 2008

8

535

250
365

600
260

2,750
3,468

22,020
2,080

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Onions: Area Planted by Season, State, and United States,
2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
Area Planted
Season
and
2006
2007
State
Acres

Acres

2008
Acres

1

Spring
AZ
CA
GA
TX

1,000
8,100
14,000
17,700

1,200
7,600
12,500
12,500

1,500
7,600
11,500
11,000

Total

40,800

33,800

31,600

Summer 1
Non-storage
CA
NV
NM
TX
WA 2

9,800
2,600
6,000
1,000
1,500

9,700
2,800
6,300
1,100
1,500

9,000
2,900
5,500
800
1,900

Total

20,900

21,400

20,100

33,100
10,000
9,700
2,700
14,100

31,700
9,000
9,300
2,600
13,000

31,500
8,500
8,600
2,100
12,400

11,700
8,400
20,000
2,100

11,500
9,100
21,000
1,900

9,900
8,500
19,000
1,800

2,280

2,180

1,750

Total

114,080

111,280

104,050

Total Summer

134,980

132,680

124,150

175,780
US
Primarily fresh market.
2
Includes Walla Walla and other non-storage onions.
3
Primarily dehydrated and other processing.
4
2006 - 2008 - OH and UT.

166,480

155,750

Storage
CA 3
CO
ID
MI
NY
OR
Malheur
Other
WA
WI
Oth Sts 4

1

Vegetables
April 2008

9

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Fresh Market Crop Comments
Asparagus: Intended area for harvest is forecast at 34,100 acres, down 11 percent from 2007. In California,
a mid-January freeze had minimal impact on the asparagus crop.
Snap Beans: Area for spring harvest is forecast at 20,200 acres, down 2 percent from last year. In Florida,
harvest of the winter crop continued during February into early March. Clear weather allowed planting to
proceed on schedule. However, cool temperatures slowed some maturation. Georgia snap beans are in fair
to good condition. Soil moisture has been mostly adequate this spring and temperatures were close to
normal.
Broccoli: California's area for spring harvest is forecast at 36,000 acres, up 3 percent from 2007. The
broccoli crop is developing well. There were no major pests or disease problems reported.
Cabbage: Area for spring harvest is forecast at 7,900 acres, up 14 percent from last year. In Florida,
planting of the spring crop began in January. Mostly mild conditions kept planting on schedule. Despite
cold temperatures the crop escaped significant damage. The Georgia crop is in fair to good condition. Soil
moisture and temperatures have been favorable for the crop. In Texas, dry weather combined with heavy
irrigation provided favorable growing conditions for the cabbage crop.
Cantaloup: Area intended for harvest is forecast at 30,100 acres, down 4 percent from 2007. In California,
the spring melon crop is progressing well. The Georgia crop is in fair to good condition. In Texas, land
preparation and some melon planting was underway.
Carrots: Area for harvest is forecast at 15,900 acres, down 3 percent from last year. In California, the
carrot crop is in good condition with very few problems reported.
Cauliflower: California's area for spring harvest is forecast at 7,800 acres, 5 percent below 2007. Spring
weather conditions boosted crop growth and development. No major pests or diseases have been reported.
Celery: California’s area for spring harvest is forecast at 6,000 acres, up 5 percent from last year. Freezing
temperatures in January reduced celery yields and production. Although plants survived the cold
temperatures, the impact will be felt in the coming months, as seeder problems are anticipated through May.
Sweet Corn: Intended area for harvest is forecast at 34,700 acres, up 7 percent from a year ago. In
California, weather has been favorable for the sweet corn crop. No disease or pest problems were reported.
In Florida, favorable weather conditions allowed planting and harvesting to progress on schedule. By
mid-February, harvesting and packing of sweet corn was ongoing in Florida City. Sweet corn was being
harvested in Miami-Dade in early March.
Cucumbers: Spring harvested area is forecast at 7,200 acres, unchanged from 2007. Florida’s spring
planting began in January. Mostly warm and dry conditions kept planting on schedule.
Honeydew Melons: Area for harvest is forecast at 3,850 acres, unchanged from 2007. California’s spring
crop is progressing well.
Head Lettuce: Intended area for harvest is forecast at 36,000 acres, down 3 percent from 2007. In
California, planted acreage in the Bakersfield-Huron district has declined as a result of water rationing in the
San Joaquin Valley. Growers are extending the desert season so they can begin planting earlier in Salinas.
In New Jersey, field preparation and planting is behind schedule due to wet weather.

Vegetables
April 2008

10

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Spring Onions: Producers intend to harvest 29,400 acres, down 5 percent from last year. In California,
despite some reports of mildew, the spring onion crop is in good condition. In Georgia, precipitation during
the winter months was near normal. Heading into spring the State had adequate moisture levels. The crop is
doing well and disease problems are minimal. Harvest should begin around mid-April.
Summer Non-Storage Onions: Non-storage planted area is 20,100 acres, down 6 percent from last year. In
California, despite some minor problems with rain during planting, good growing conditions are currently
being reported. In Nevada, seed beds have been in place for several weeks anticipating seasonal warming to
begin planting. In New Mexico, weather conditions have been favorable despite lack of moisture.
Washington producers experienced a relatively mild winter, though some wind damage was reported. The
crop is in good condition and growers are optimistic about this year’s non-storage onion crop.
Summer Storage Onions: Storage planted area is 104,050 acres, down 6 percent from 2007. California
acreage, which is primarily dehydrated or otherwise processed, is down 1 percent from 2007. Despite some
minor problems with rain during planting, good growing conditions are currently being reported. In
Colorado, although mountain snow pack is currently 126 percent of average Statewide, mandated well
restrictions, labor shortages, low prices, and disease problems are a major concern. In Idaho, snow pack
supplies are near normal and water availability is not a concern. In Oregon, spring conditions have been
favorable throughout the State. In Washington, thrips remains a major concern for some producers in the
Columbia Basin. Irrigation supplies look promising.
Bell Peppers: Florida’s area for harvest is forecast at 7,100 acres, down 4 percent from 2007. Mostly
favorable weather during January and February allowed planting and harvesting to progress. In
mid-February, cool temperatures slowed plant development over the central and southern Peninsula.
Strawberries: Area intended for harvest is forecast at 46,500 acres, up 2 percent from last year.
California’s area for harvest is forecast at 36,700 acres, up 3 percent from 2007. California’s strawberry
season started slowly this year due to cool, wet weather . However, quality of the berry crop is reported to
be excellent. In Florida, growers started transplanting by early October. Producers irrigated sets due to
drought conditions. Light picking began in mid-November. Warm temperatures during most of November
and December hindered berry development. Producers worked to minimize damage to the crop when
extremely windy and cold weather arrived in early January. Cool, dry weather during the remainder of
January and most of February hindered plant growth but increased berry quality. The Oregon crop looks
good. The State experienced no hard freezes this winter.
Tomatoes: Area for harvest is forecast at 24,500 acres, down 12 percent from 2007. In California, sporadic
rainfall provided adequate water to promote plant growth. There have been no reports of significant pest
infestations or diseases. In Florida, rainfall delayed field work and cold temperatures during February
caused some crop damage. Warm temperatures in March allowed crops to get back on track.
Watermelons: Area intended for harvest is forecast at 38,500 acres, down 1 percent from last year.
California’s spring melon crop is progressing well. Minimal freeze damage during mid-January was
reported to Florida’s watermelon crop. However, growers that planted early were able to reset plants.
Producers will start harvesting in April and continue into early July if prices hold up. Watermelon prices
and availability of trucks to haul melons to market will impact how long growers in the State harvest their
watermelon crop. By early March, freeze damage was reported to some melon acreage in Sumter County,
Florida. Direct seeded watermelon planting was underway in Jefferson County.

Vegetables
April 2008

11

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Processing Vegetables: Prospective Plantings and Production by Crop
and Expected Utilization, United States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted 2008
(Domestic Units)
Area Planted
Utilization
2007
and
2006
Crop
Total
Total
Contract 1
Acres

All Processing
Snap Beans
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers for
Pickles
Green Peas
Tomatoes
Total
Canning
Snap Beans
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers for
Pickles
Green Peas
Tomatoes
Total Canning
Freezing
Snap Beans
Sweet Corn
Green Peas
Total Freezing

Acres

Acres

211,920
394,400

213,270
380,100

208,600
380,100

187,000
384,960

107,400
211,700
300,700

98,600
213,800
319,300

86,190
213,800
316,300

89,500
215,900
305,600

1,226,120

1,225,070

1,204,990

1,182,960

142,580
197,600

136,100
180,000

133,300
180,000

120,750
185,460

107,400
86,600
300,700

98,600
80,800
319,300

86,190
80,800
316,300

89,500
80,300
305,600

834,880

814,800

796,590

781,610

69,340
196,800
125,100

77,170
200,100
133,000

75,300
200,100
133,000

66,250
199,500
135,600

391,240

410,270
Production
2007

408,400

401,350
2008
Contract
Intentions 1

2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Tons

Tons

Tons

Tons

12,659,890

12,542,890

12,345,000

Tomatoes
10,611,820
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.

Vegetables
April 2008

Acres

2008
Contract
Intentions 1

12

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Processing Vegetables: Prospective Plantings and Production by Crop
and Expected Utilization, United States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted 2008
(Metric Units)
Area Planted
Utilization
2007
and
2006
Crop
Total
Total
Contract 1
Hectares

All Processing
Snap Beans
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers for
Pickles
Green Peas
Tomatoes
Total 2
Canning
Snap Beans
Sweet Corn
Cucumbers for
Pickles
Green Peas
Tomatoes
Total Canning 2

Hectares

86,310
153,820

84,420
153,820

75,680
155,790

43,460
85,670
121,690

39,900
86,520
129,220

34,880
86,520
128,000

36,220
87,370
123,670

496,200

495,770

487,650

478,730

57,700
79,970

55,080
72,840

53,950
72,840

48,870
75,050

43,460
35,050
121,690

39,900
32,700
129,220

34,880
32,700
128,000

36,220
32,500
123,670

337,870

329,740

322,370

316,310

28,060
79,640
50,630

31,230
80,980
53,820

30,470
80,980
53,820

26,810
80,740
54,880

165,280

162,420

166,030
Production
2007

158,330
2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Metric Tons

Metric Tons

Metric Tons

Tomatoes
9,626,830
11,484,800
11,378,660
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.
2
Totals may not add due to rounding. Utilizations may not add to total crop because of rounding.

Vegetables
April 2008

Hectares

85,760
159,610

Freezing
Snap Beans
Sweet Corn
Green Peas
Total Freezing 2

Hectares

2008
Contract
Intentions 1

13

2008
Contract
Intentions 1
Metric Tons

11,199,140

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State
and
Utilization

2

Snap Beans for Processing: Area Planted and Contracted
by State and United States, and Utilization by United States,
2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
Area Planted
2007
2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Acres

Acres

Acres

2008
Contract
Intentions 1
Acres

3,300
15,800
5,600
19,000

13,400
5,300
23,500

12,700
5,300
23,500

14,500
4,700
13,500
4,700

22,200
18,900
10,900
73,500

19,100
10,900
74,000

19,100
9,800
72,700

17,600
10,300
73,600

42,720

67,070

65,500

48,100

US

211,920

213,270

208,600

187,000

Canning

142,580

136,100

133,300

120,750

FL
IL
IN
MI
MN 2
NY 2
OR
PA
WI
Oth Sts

34

66,250
75,300
77,170
69,340
Freezing
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.
2
Missing data not published to avoid disclosure of indiviual operations.
3
2006 - CA, DE, GA, MD, MN, MO, NJ, NC, TX, and VA.
2007 - CA, DE, FL, GA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NC, TX, and VA.
2008 - CA, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NY, NC, TX, and VA.
4
Seasonal forecasts for AR and MO are not available. Estimates to be published in the Vegetables 2008
Summary, released in January 2009.

Vegetables
April 2008

14

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State
and
Utilization

2

DE
MD
MN
NY 2
OR
WA
WI

Sweet Corn for Processing: Area Planted and Contracted
by State and United States, and Utilization by United States,
2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
Area Planted
2007
2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Acres

Acres

Acres

4,700
6,300
135,200
18,400
26,100
80,200
86,200

2008
Contract
Intentions 1
Acres

6,300
122,100

6,300
122,100

6,900
125,100

21,900
84,500
87,600

21,900
84,500
87,600

22,200
81,600
87,200

37,300

57,700

57,700

61,960

US

394,400

380,100

380,100

384,960

Canning

197,600

180,000

180,000

185,460

200,100

199,500

Oth Sts 3

200,100
196,800
Freezing
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.
2
Missing data not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
3
2006 - ID, IL, IA, NJ, PA, and TN.
2007 - DE, ID, IL, IA, NJ, NY, PA, TN and VA.
2008 - DE, ID, IL, IA, NJ, NY, PA, TN, and VA.

Vegetables
April 2008

15

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Cucumbers for Pickles: Area Planted and Contracted by State
and United States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
Area Planted
2007
2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Acres

Acres

Acres

2008
Contract
Intentions 1
Acres

FL
IN
MD 2
MI
NC
OH
SC
TX
WI

6,700
1,600
3,200
34,000
11,100
3,100
3,500
8,200
4,800

6,800
1,500

3,800
1,500

7,000
1,500

30,000
12,100
2,800
3,000
7,000
6,100

30,000
9,800
2,690
3,000
6,700
6,100

30,000
9,200
2,500
2,500
8,000
6,200

Oth Sts 3 4

31,200

29,300

22,600

22,600

86,190
98,600
107,400
US
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.
2
Missing data not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
3
2006 - AL, CA, DE, GA, MA, MO, and WA.
2007 - AL, CA, DE, GA, MD, MO, and WA.
2008 - AL, CA, DE, GA, MD, MO and WA.
4
Seasonal forecasts for WA are not available. Estimate to be published in the Vegetables 2008
Summary, released in January 2009.

Vegetables
April 2008

16

89,500

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State
and
Utilization

Green Peas for Processing: Area Planted and Contracted by State
and United States, and Utilization by United States,
2006-2007 and Forecasted Area 2008
Area Planted
2007
2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Acres

Acres

Acres

2008
Contract
Intentions 1
Acres

DE
MN 2
NY 2
OR
WA
WI

5,800
83,300
19,500
17,600
34,300
31,900

5,500

5,500

6,000
75,000

18,000
38,900
38,500

18,000
38,900
38,500

17,500
35,000
42,100

Oth Sts 3

19,300

112,900

112,900

40,300

211,700

213,800

213,800

215,900

86,600

80,800

80,800

80,300

133,000

135,600

US
Canning

133,000
125,100
Freezing
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.
2
Missing data not published to avoid disclosure of individual operations.
3
2006 - CA, ID, IL, MD, and NJ.
2007 - CA, ID, IL, MD, MN, NJ, and NY.
2008 - ID, IL, MD, NJ, and NY.

Vegetables
April 2008

17

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Tomatoes for Processing: Area Planted and Production
by State and United States, 2006-2007 and Forecasted 2008
Area Planted
2007
2006
Total

Total

Contract 1

Acres

Acres

Acres

2008
Contract
Intentions 1
Acres

CA
IN
MI
OH

283,000
8,000
3,300
6,400

301,000
8,500
3,400
6,400

298,000
8,500
3,400
6,400

288,000
8,500
3,200
5,900

US

300,700

319,300

316,300

305,600

Production
2007

2008
Contract
Intentions 1

2006
Total

Total

Tons

Tons

Tons

Tons

10,104,000
225,500
115,500
166,820

12,082,000
294,000
112,200
171,690

11,965,000
294,000
112,200
171,690

11,800,000
266,000
110,000
169,000

US
10,611,820
1
Includes acreage from major brokers.

12,659,890

12,542,890

12,345,000

CA
IN
MI
OH

Vegetables
April 2008

18

Contract

1

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Processing Crop Comments
Growers of vegetables for processing intend to plant 1.18 million contracted acres in 2008, down 2 percent
from 2007. Lower contracted acreage for snap beans and tomatoes offsets increased acreage for sweet corn,
cucumbers for pickles, and green peas. Area for freezing, at 401,350 acres, is down 2 percent from last year.
Area for canning, forecast at 781,610 acres, is down 2 percent from 2007.
Snap Beans: Processors contracted to plant 187,000 acres of snap beans, down 10 percent from last year.
Contracted area for freezing, at 66,250 acres, is down 12 percent from 2007. Contracted area for canning, at
120,750 acres, is down 9 percent from 2007. Wisconsin’s contracted area, at 73,600 acres, is up 1 percent
from the previous year. The winter months provided plenty of precipitation in Indiana. Planting has been
delayed due to very cold and wet weather. In Oregon, stream flow is above average due to adequate snow
pack in most parts of the State.
Sweet Corn: Contract intentions call for 384,960 acres of sweet corn in 2008, up 1 percent from last year.
Contracted area for freezing, at 199,500 acres, is virtually unchanged from last year's total. Contracted area
for canning, at 185,460 acres, is up 3 percent from 2007. In Oregon, above normal precipitation early in the
season led to snow pack records in lower elevations.
Cucumbers for Pickles: Pickle packers intend to contract 89,500 acres of cucumbers for pickles, up
4 percent from last year. Planting of the spring crop in Florida began in January. Favorable weather
conditions have kept planting on schedule.
Green Peas: Contract intentions are forecast at 215,900 acres in 2008, up 1 percent from 2007. Contract
intentions for freezing, at 135,600 acres, are 2 percent above last year. Contracted area for canning, at
80,300 acres, is 1 percent below 2007. In Oregon, water availability is good as snow pack and reservoirs
were above average throughout the State. In Minnesota, snow melt was reported across the State, however,
remaining frost layer prevented melting snow from soaking into the subsoil.
Tomatoes for Canning: Contracts with growers cover 305,600 acres in 2008, down 3 percent from last
year. Contract production, at 12.3 million tons, is 2 percent below 2007. California production is forecast at
11.8 million tons, down 1 percent from 2007. Some growers in the State intend to plant earlier maturing
varieties due to water uncertainties in the upcoming season. In Indiana, planting has been delayed due to
very cold and wet weather.

Vegetables
April 2008

19

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

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