Warm weather has made for an early start to this year's nectarine harvest in California. Dry weather, while not likely to affect this year's crop, could cause problems for growers next season if drought conditions continue.“We started picking yellow, Zee Fire and Red Ryan nectarines last week,” said Jeff Simonian of Simonian Fruit Company. “Volumes have been okay, about where we expected.” Prices for a box of nectarines have fluctuated between $20 and $30, which Simonian noted were in an okay range. Fruit sizes have clustered around 60s and 70s. While sizing, production and prices have not been too far out of the norm, the start of the season has stood out.
“We started harvesting about 10 days earlier than we did last season,” said Simonian. “The winter wasn't as cold, and when it gets really hot, things speed up.” Sustained warm weather could further speed up the season, and while this year's drought hasn't hindered production of stonefruit, a continued lack of water could do so in the future.
“We've been okay so far, but if we have another dry winter we could have trouble,” said Simonian. “So far, this has been a good season, and we're hoping for a good year.” Harvesting of peaches is expected to commence this weekend with harvesting of plums expected to begin next week.
For more information:
Jeff Simonian
Simonian Fruit Company
+1 559 834 5307