Positive outlook for the California dried plum industry

Grower prices for dried plums are on the upswing following a steady decline in statewide acreage, noted industry officials at the South Sacramento Valley prune grower meeting held in Yuba City, Calif. this spring. The plum acreage has decreased as growers increased acreage planted to more-profitable crops including almonds and walnuts, according to industry sources. The average grower price for the 2014 crop was “a significant spike over previous years,” said Donn Zea, executive director of the California Dried Plums Board (CDPB) based in Sacramento. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the preliminary price for the 2014 crop is $2,200 per ton. NASS’ final price will be released in October.