Grower prices for dried plums are on the upswing following a steady decline in statewide acreage. Plum acreage has decreased as growers increased acreage planted to more-profitable crops including almonds and walnuts.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the preliminary price for the 2014 crop is $2,200 per ton. NASS’ final price will be released in October. The Prune Bargaining Association estimates the price to be $2,600 per ton for the 2014 crop. Growers received an average of $2,000 per ton for the 2013 crop. According to Donn Zea with the California Dried Plums Board (CDPB), these higher prices are needed for the industry to continue to produce dried plums.
“California dried plum-acreage totaled about 45,000 acres last year”, said Zea. This is down from 51,000 acres in 2013. According to NASS, statewide acreage has steadily declined since 2001.
California dried plum exports are strong. Japan is the top dried plum export destination. Other foreign markets include China, Italy, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom. California’s newest dried plum export market is South Korea.
The industry needs varieties that reduce drying and pruning costs, improve the tree’s fruit bearing ability, and enhance fruit quality. Current nutrition research focuses on digestive health and bone health as prunes may support healthy bones.
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Source: Western Farm Press