FRUIT AND TREE NUTS YEARBOOK--SUMMARY October 1998, FTS-284October 14, 1998

This SUMMARY is published by the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20036-5831.

The production value for all tree nuts in 1997 jumped to a record $2.0 billion, 22 percent higher than a year earlier because of higher production and good grower prices for most tree nut crops. Values increased for every tree nut commodity except macadamia nuts. Despite reduced grower prices for almonds, higher production increased the crop's value to $1.1 billion, the highest on record. The 1997 U.S. almond crop accounted for 61 percent of total tree nut production. An "on" year in the alternate-bearing tendency of almond trees, as well as increased bearing acres, contributed to the larger crop. Besides almonds, record production was realized for hazelnuts, macadamias, pistachios, and walnuts. A large pecan crop was also harvested.

Higher production and lower prices resulted in total domestic use of tree nuts rising to 590 million pounds (shelled basis), equal to 2.2 pounds per person. Domestic consumption was also boosted by a 14-percent increase in imported nuts, including Brazil nuts, pine nuts (pignolias), chestnuts, cashews, and mixed nuts. Consumption rose for almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, and other nuts, but fell for pecans and macadamias. Exports increased for all tree nut commodities except walnuts. Even though total disappearance (domestic use and exports) increased for all tree nuts, beginning stocks for the 1998/99 season are higher than a year earlier due to the record supplies available during the 1997/98 season.

For more information, contact Susan Pollack (202-694-5251).