California: Broccoli acreage to decrease 6% and cauliflower acreage to increase 5%

Broccoli will continue to have four times the acreage of cauliflower

The area assigned to broccoli in the spring season of 2010 is anticipated to fall by 6%, while the area for cauliflower cultivation should show an increase of 5% on 2009 figures, according to the California Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Sacramento.

Californian agricultural institutions expect that in the spring season – between April and June - 12,141 hectares of broccoli will be harvested, 6% less than during the same period of last year. According to their report, the quality of the broccoli will be good.

Meanwhile, cauliflower acreage is expected to increase by 5% in comparison with the spring season of 2009. However, a USDA forecast observed that wet fields have slowed development of the crop in the Salinas Valley.

California: Brassica acreage harvested in spring 2008-2010

Own elaboration with data from California Vegetable Review/USDA

S&G Brassicas Today - May 2010