Vegetable and Melon Report

Here is a link to the Dec. 18 Vegetable and Melon Outlook Report from the USDA ERS. Some highlights:


On import growth of asparagus...


Since 1989, Peru’s share of the U.S. fresh asparagus import market has risen from 5 percent to 58 percent in 2006. At the same time, Mexico’s import market share has declined from 79 percent in 1989 to 40 percent, even as their shipments to the United States have nearly quadrupled—courtesy of expanding U.S. demand for fresh asparagus and a 37-percent decline in U.S. production. Imports, which now enter year round, will likely account for about 78 percent of U.S. fresh market asparagus consumption in 2007—up from 59 percent in 2000 and 24 percent in 1989. The longrun outlook indicates that vegetable production may rise about one-tenth over the next decade, with fresh-market vegetable output rising fastest, followed by potatoes and vegetables used for canned, frozen, and dehydrated products.


On fresh vegetables...


During the first 10 months of 2007, the value of fresh-market vegetable imports (excluding potatoes, melons, and mushrooms) increased 7 percent to $3.3 billion. Most of this gain occurred during March-May and can be partly attributed to impacts of the January western freeze, plus increased demand for onions, garlic, and greenhouse vegetables. This winter, assuming average weather, fresh-market import volume is expected to remain at or below that of ayear ago due to expected larger domestic supplies and lower prices.


On melons....


The value of fresh-market melon imports increased 14 percent during the January-October period to $339 million due largely to higher average import prices. Volume increased just 3 percent with most of the gain coming from a 9-percent surge in watermelon imports. As usual, the majority (86 percent) of watermelon imports ente red from Mexico, with a surge in volume in May. Reflecting yearround demand and higher prices, imports are expected to account for nearly 19 percent of domestic watermelon disappearance in 2007—up from 12 percent a decade ago.


On the long term outlook....


The average annual growth rate for vegetable and melon production value is forecast at 3 percent through 2017, with the value of vegetables expected to reach $27 billion by 2017. About three-fourths of the total value of U.S. vegetable production is expected to come from fresh-market crops.