January 9, 2009

**FLORIDA**

**W[eather]{.smallcaps}:** Rain was plentiful during early **October**
in several areas of the State. Many southern counties received 2 inches
or more in the first week of October. Despite previous delays from
surplus moisture, the planting of vegetables continued throughout
Florida. Several counties reported that the crops already in the ground
looked good. Okra, tomato, cucumbers, and avocado harvesting remained
active. By the second week of October significant showers fell,
especially in the northern and central regions. Some fields received
over 3 inches. Some producers in Hendry County reported concern of
disease due to recent rains. A few growers reported root rot in Hernando
County. Growers continued to prepare land and plant vegetables. Cabbage
was planted in Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Precipitation
let up mid-month, only to return in late October. Strawberry planting
was almost complete in Hillsborough County and picking of grape tomatoes
had begun. Land preparations were underway for potatoes in St. Johns
County as well. Soils in some southern fields dried out which helped
keep disease down. Bradford County planted strawberries and onions.
Unusually cool temperatures were seen late in the month causing the
season's first frosts and freezes in the northern third of the State.
Major cities ranged from 5 to 10 degrees below normal. Producers in
Union County lost a significant amount of eggplant and snap beans due to
a heavy freeze. Seminole County producers reported little damage from
frost. Squash, eggplant, and snap beans were moving through the market
by the end of the month.

**N[ovember: ]{.smallcaps}**Conditions were dry and cool early in the
month. Planting and harvesting continued. Dade County began harvesting
snap beans while Gadsden County continued harvesting tomatoes. Immokalee
reported a light harvest of squash and cucumbers. Cabbage and broccoli
were planted in St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties. Farmers
irrigated strawberry plants in Hillsborough County. Other vegetables
marketed were sweet corn, eggplant, okra, peppers, greens, radishes, and
avocados. Growers reported that fields remained dry despite scattered
showers in mid November. The dry conditions allowed harvesting to
progress and disease pressure to lessen. Growers in southern areas
irrigated tomatoes, greens, and turnips. Some producers in Collier
County reported problems with deer. The production of cucumbers, melons,
and squash in the central Peninsula slowed due to cold weather. Columbia
County reported a hard freeze that killed all tomatoes, green beans, and
cucumbers; growers won't replant until spring. Charlotte County
producers began preparing land for watermelons. Late in the month, rain
aided many north and central fields. Vegetables were reported as looking
good, but cool weather and frost slowed growth.

**D[ecember: ]{.smallcaps}** Fields continued to need water as vegetable
harvests increased. Some crops were put behind schedule due to cool
temperatures and frost. Some broccoli and cabbage crops were damaged by
frost in Columbia County and worms in Duval County. Cabbage was about
70% planted in Flagler County. Harvesting of tomatoes, snap beans, sweet
corn, cucumbers, eggplants, greens, peppers, radishes, squash, endive,
escarole, and okra remained active. Avocados were still marketed, but
shipments declined seasonally. Light volumes of strawberries began
moving through the market. Vegetables were stressed in Union County due
to lack of moisture. Strawberries looked good in Bradford County, but
harvest was delayed a couple weeks in Hillsborough County due to the
unseasonably cold weather. The vegetable crop in Collier and Lee
counties lagged behind due to continued cool weather. During the second
week of December growers in the Panhandle and southern Peninsula
welcomed rains of up to 8 inches. Around mid month traces of rain fell
across the State. With warmer temperatures and clear skies, crop growth
and harvesting conditions were favorable for the upcoming holiday season
demand. Light volumes of cabbage were harvested and the okra market
declined seasonally. Soils became drier as the month came to an end with
most locations receiving less than a tenth of an inch of precipitation.
Temperatures remained warm benefiting vegetables in southern Florida.
Growers continued to irrigate crops. Light blight was found in isolated
areas among tomato and potato crops. Other vegetables marketed in
December included celery, lettuce, and specialty crops.

**[Snap Beans]{.smallcaps}:** Florida area for harvest is forecast at
11,600 acres; down 14 percent from last winter's acreage. Freezing
temperatures in November caused some growers to lose significant
acreage. December's cold weather put some fields behind schedule.

**[Cabbage]{.smallcaps}:** Florida producers expect to harvest 4,900
acres through March; down 2 percent from last year. Plantings were
slightly behind schedule due to excess moisture from Tropical Storm Fay.
Unusually cool temperatures in November and December caused light
damage.

**[Sweet Corn]{.smallcaps}:** Florida harvested area is forecast at
8,400 acres; 9 percent below last winter. Favorable weather during
October, November, and December kept planting on schedule. Light harvest
began in mid-November. Cold temperatures in early December hindered some
plant growth.

**[Bell Peppers]{.smallcaps}:** Winter area for harvest in Florida is
forecast at 6,800 acres; up 6 percent from last year. Mostly dry
conditions allowed planting to progress on schedule.

**[Strawberries]{.smallcaps}:** The expected area harvested is forecast
at 7,200 acres; up 300 acres from last winter's acreage. Planting took
place in October and early November. Growers irrigated plants due to dry
conditions. Harvest was delayed for some growers due to cold weather.
Strawberries were marketed by early December.

**[Tomatoes]{.smallcaps}:** Florida winter tomato harvested area is
forecast at 9,300 acres; up 200 acres or 2 percent from last year's
acreage of 9,100. Favorable weather kept planting on schedule.

**UNITED STATES**

The prospective area for harvest of 11 selected fresh market vegetables
during the winter quarter is forecast at 150,900 acres, down 5 percent
from last year. Acreage declined for snap beans, broccoli, carrots,
celery, sweet corn, and head lettuce. Acreage increased for bell
peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes. Area harvested for spinach
remains unchanged.

**[Celery]{.smallcaps}**: The winter celery crop for harvest in
California is forecast at 7,200 acres, down 1 percent from last year.
Harvest of the celery crop began a week ahead of schedule. However,
rainfall and cool weather conditions at the end of the season slowed
maturation.

**[Head Lettuce]{.smallcaps}:** Area for harvest is forecast at 45,500
acres, down 10 percent from last year. In Arizona warmer than average
temperatures boosted crop growth. However, by mid-December precipitation
and unseasonably cold weather delayed harvest. California's iceberg
lettuce crop is growing well.

**[Broccoli]{.smallcaps}:** California harvested area is forecast at
24,000 acres, down 8 percent from 2008. Cool and dry weather boosted
crop growth and development. However, preparatory irrigation was
required in many areas due to lack of rain.

+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Selected     |        |         |         |         |          |
| Fresh Market    |        |         |         |         |          |
| Vegetables and  |        |         |         |         |          |
| Strawberries]   |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
| Area for        |        |         |         |         |          |
| Harvest by      |        |         |         |         |          |
| Crop, State,    |        |         |         |         |          |
| and             |        |         |         |         |          |
|                 |        |         |         |         |          |
| Total, Winter   |        |         |         |         |          |
| Season,         |        |         |         |         |          |
| 2007-2008 and   |        |         |         |         |          |
| Forecasted Area |        |         |         |         |          |
| 2009            |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| Selected crops  | Usual  | Winter  |         |         | 2009     |
|                 |        | acreage |         |         | area     |
| And States      | h      |         |         |         |          |
|                 | arvest |         |         |         | for      |
|                 |        |         |         |         | harvest  |
|                 | period |         |         |         |          |
|                 |        |         |         |         | as       |
|                 |        |         |         |         | percent  |
|                 |        |         |         |         |          |
|                 |        |         |         |         | of 2008  |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
|                 |        | Ha      |         | For     |          |
|                 |        | rvested |         |         |          |
|                 |        |         |         | harvest |          |
|                 |        |         |         |         |          |
|                 |        |         |         | 2009    |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
|                 |        | 2007    | 2008    |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
|                 |        | *Acres* |         |         | *        |
|                 |        |         |         |         | Percent* |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Snap         |        |         |         |         |          |
| Beans]          |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       | J      | 14,800  | 13,500  | 11,600  | 86       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Cabbage]     |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       | J      | 6,080   | 5,000   | 4,900   | 98       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Texas         | D      | 5,300   | 6,330   | 7,400   | 117      |
|                 | ec-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Total         |        | 11,380  | 11,330  | 12,300  | 109      |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Sweet        |        |         |         |         |          |
| Corn]           |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       | J      | 8,600   | 9,200   | 8,400   | 91       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Bell         |        |         |         |         |          |
| Pepper]         |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
| ^1/^            |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       | J      | 6,600   | 6,400   | 6,800   | 106      |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Tomatoes]    |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}:** |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       | J      | 10,000  | 9,100   | 9,300   | 102      |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Carrots]     |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > California    | J      | 17,500  | 15,600  | 15,400  | 99       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Texas         | O      | 900     | 800     | 800     | 100      |
|                 | ct-Dec |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Total         |        | 18,400  | 16,400  | 16,200  | 99       |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Head         |        |         |         |         |          |
| Lettuce]        |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Ar            | N      | 39,900  | 32,700  | 29,500  | 90       |
| izona\--Western | ov-Apr |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > California    | J      | 19,000  | 18,000  | 16,000  | 89       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Total         |        | 58,900  | 50,700  | 45,500  | 90       |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Broccoli]    |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
| ^1/^            |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > California    | J      | 28,000  | 26,000  | 24,000  | 92       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Cauliflower] |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
| ^1/^            |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > California    | J      | 8,200   | 8,000   | 8,500   | 106      |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Celery]      |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
| ^1/^            |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > California    | J      | 7,600   | 7,300   | 7,200   | 99       |
|                 | an-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **[Spinach]     |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Texas         | D      | 800     | 1,100   | 1,100   | 100      |
|                 | ec-Mar |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| **TOTAL OF      |        |         |         |         |          |
| CROPS LISTED**  |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       |        | 46,080  | 43,200  | 41,000  | 95       |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > United States |        | 173,280 | 159,030 | 150,900 | 95       |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| *               |        |         |         |         |          |
| *[Strawberries] |        |         |         |         |          |
| {.smallcaps}**: |        |         |         |         |          |
| ^1/^            |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| > Florida       | D      | 6,600   | 6,900   | 7,200   | 104      |
|                 | ec-May |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+
| ^1/^ Includes   |        |         |         |         |          |
| fresh market    |        |         |         |         |          |
| and processing. |        |         |         |         |          |
+-----------------+--------+---------+---------+---------+----------+