US: Tulare county crop report

Deciduous tree fruits, nuts and grapes: Cherries are ripening and some varieties are being picked, with exports going to the Far East. Early peaches, nectarines and apricots continue to be harvested. Apricots are primarily being exported to Mexico. Other stone fruit is being shipped to Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Pistachios are still being exported to Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Italy and Israel. Grapevines are developing and thinning continues. Pomegranates and persimmons are pushing spring foliage.

Citrus, avocados and olives: The navel orange harvest is winding down (about 97 percent complete). Navel oranges are being exported to Japan and China and other Far Eastern nations. The Valencia harvest is under way, with export going to numerous countries in the Pacific, the Far East, India, Asia and the Middle East. Mandarins and lemons are being sold domestically. Olives and pomegranates are blooming, and beehives are in place for late kiwi pollination.

Vegetables, melons and berries: Summer vegetables are being planted. Cucumbers and eggplants are somewhat behind in development, due to the cool spring weather we experienced. Italian squash is being harvested and onions are growing well. Strawberries continue to be picked and sold. The blueberry harvest is under way, with exports going to Japan, Taiwan and China.

Additional comments: Wholesale nurseries have increased sales of citrus and avocado trees. Certified producer certificates for farmers markets are increasing, with summer plantings now in the ground.

Source: www.visaliatimesdelta.com