Jun 20, 2019

USDA report reveals New Jersey third in US peach production

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service released its annual Non-Citrus Fruit and Nuts report June 18 and the results showed New Jersey as the No. 3 state in the U.S. in production value for peaches. The report also revealed that the Garden State remains among the leaders in cranberry and blueberry production.

According to the report, New Jersey peach producers harvested 46 million pounds of peaches in 2018 with a production value of just over $41 million, an increase of about $1 million from 2017. The No. 3 ranking continues a trend of New Jersey consistently ranking in the top five in peach production value.

“It’s a credit to our peach producers that they are one of the leaders in the nation in growing and harvesting this delicious tasting fruit,” New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said. “With the harvest for our peaches quickly approaching, we expect to have another outstanding year. We know consumers are looking to make the purchase of Jersey Fresh produce a priority when they are at supermarkets, on-farm markets and community farmers markets.”

The first peach variety of New Jersey’s season is the Sentry. The crop then moves into Crest Haven, which also includes the Gloria variety, followed by Jersey Queen, Fayette, Encore and Laurol. White peaches become available in mid-August and are expected to continue through mid-September.

The USDA report also showed that New Jersey also ranks high in cranberry and blueberry production. In cranberries, New Jersey is No. 3 in the country in production value at $15.8 million, harvesting 512 000 barrels on 3,100 acres.

For blueberries, New Jersey is No. 6 in the U.S. in production value at $62.4 million with 44 million pounds harvested on 9,000 acres. Jersey Fresh blueberries are now appearing in supermarkets, farm stands and community farmers markets now.

To learn when Jersey Fresh produce is becoming available, where it is located, about recipes for different kinds of produce, and about all things Jersey Fresh, go to www.findjerseyfresh.com.