MARCH AND FIRST QUARTER SALES DOWN FROM 2006
Hawaii fresh papaya utilization is estimated at 2.2 million pounds for March 2007, up 4 percent from February, but down 2 percent from last year. Cumulative sales for the first quarter of 2007 were down 10 percent from the same period in 2006 to 6.6 million pounds.
Total in crop for March is estimated at 1,935, down 7 percent from a year ago. Harvested area totaled 870 acres, decreasing 51 percent from March of last year. Continuous wet weather in the earlier months of 2006 and an increase in disease during 2006 had some impact on current lower acreage.
In March, orchards benefited from sunny periods and adequate soil moisture for steady growth and flowering. Normal field activities were underway with favorable weather. Young plantings made good progress. More harvested acreage is expected for the summer months. Papaya growers are expected to receive an estimated 47.0 cents per pound for fresh fruit in March, up 15 percent (6.0 cents) from last month and 4 percent more (2.0 cents) from a year ago.
Here is the PDF file for the *Hawaii Papayas *Report.
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/
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Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
