California is the largest grower of peaches in the United States, producing about 70% of the total.[1]
The California Freestone Peach Association (CFPA)[2] and California Canning Peach Association/California Cling Peach Board (CCPA)[2][3] represent the industry.[4] (Although the CFPA is a separate incorporation, it has always been operated by the CCPA's staff.) The overwhelming majority of the country's peaches are grown here, in 2020[update] 468,000 short tons (425,000 t) for sales of $308.3 million.[5] Since 1980 the total value of the harvest has been slightly increasing.[5] The acreage (hectares) planted in peach has been declining however, down to 73,000 acres (30,000 ha) as of 2020[update].[5]
As of 2021[update]cling deliveries for processing purposes have been on a downward trend for years.[7] From 430,000 short tons (390,000 t) in 2010, delivered tonnage declined to 225,000 short tons (204,000 t) in 2021.[7] Cling yield shows no clear trend over the same time, bouncing between 18.1 short tons per acre (41 t/ha) and 15.3 short tons per acre (34 t/ha).[7]
Prices have been trending mostly upward, from $317 per short ton ($349/t) in 2012 to $518 per short ton ($571/t).[7]
CCPA expects 2022 deliveries to be between 214,200–232,400 short tons (194,300–210,800 t) from a yield of 15.3–16.6 short tons per acre (34–37 t/ha).[7]
Breeding of peach
UCD hosts one of the major breeding programs in the country.[8] Most of the private breeding programs for peach in the country are found in California, with a significant amount of the public breeding also being performed here but also elsewhere in the country.[8]
^Kathryn C. Taylor (August 15, 2003). "Peaches". New Georgia Encyclopedia. Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press. Archived from the original on July 5, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
^Agriculture, University of California; Resources, Natural. "California Varieties – Fruit Report". Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Retrieved July 6, 2022.