23rd July 2024

 

 California Prune production navigating the heat wave

The California Prune Board (CPB) estimates an average production volume of 65,000 metric tons (71,650 short tons) for the 2024 California prune crop, as reported by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Congress (INC). Growers are vigilantly monitoring the crop and taking all necessary steps to mitigate the impact of high temperatures.

California has experienced triple-digit temperatures recently, with forecasts indicating more heat waves on the horizon. This extreme heat poses significant challenges for California prune growers. Despite these adverse conditions, the industry anticipates a good quality crop, with supplies being less than originally anticipated.

“While we foresee a slight to medium impact on the total production volume of California Prunes, our growers remain resilient,” says Executive Director, Donn Zea, of the California Prune Board.

Favourable growing conditions over the last two seasons, along with appropriate current acreage, support a strong outlook for California’s prune industry. Despite economic headwinds, California’s premium quality positioning continues to bring stability to the sector, with a focus on maintaining and penetrating markets.

Zea adds: “The tenacity, dedication and innovative practices of our growers ensure that California Prunes will continue to meet the high standards expected by consumers worldwide.”

Ends

The California Prune Board was established in 1952 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of prunes with orchards across 14 counties in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organisation leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.