Vg 1-1  (4-99)b



Vegetables


National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service




USDA
Washington, D.C.



Released April 8, 1999, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  For information
on "Vegetables" call Biz Wallingsford at (202) 720-2157, office hours 7:30 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. ET.




                  Spring Vegetables Up 1 Percent
              Processed Vegetable Acreage Up 12 Percent
                   Onion Acreage Down 2 Percent


The prospective area for harvest of 13 selected fresh market vegetables during
the spring quarter is forecast at 232,800 acres, up 1 percent from last year. 
Acreage increases in broccoli, cauliflower, celery, head lettuce, and tomatoes
more than offset decreases in snap beans, cabbage, carrots, sweet corn,
cucumbers, eggplant, escarole/endive, and bell peppers.  Acreage for spring
harvest of 3 selected melons is estimated at 112,800 acres, up slightly from
last year.  Cantaloups and honeydews showed increases from 1998 while
watermelons showed a decrease.   Asparagus acreage for spring harvest is
forecast at 73,100 acres, up slightly from last year and 2 percent greater than
in 1997.  Strawberry acreage for spring harvest is projected at 31,850 acres,
down slightly from 1998 but 3 percent more than 1997.

Processors expect to contract 1.40 million acres of the five major vegetable 
crops in the U.S. this year, up 12 percent from last year.  Increases are 
forecast for all major processing vegetables with cucumbers, at 32 percent, 
showing the largest increase.   Freezing firms expect a 7 percent increase, 
with 446,300 acres under contract.  Green pea acreage is up 11 percent, sweet 
corn acreage up 6 percent, and snap bean acreage is down slightly.  Canneries 
contracted for 951,650 acres, up 9 percent from last year.  Tomato acreage is
up 17 percent, cucumber acreage is up 32 percent, snap bean acreage is up 
22 percent sweet corn acreage is up 6 percent and green pea acreage is up 
7 percent from last year. 
  
Spring Onions will be harvested from 35,900 acres in 1999, up 4 percent from
last year but down 4 percent from 1997.  Georgia and Texas combined for a
production forecast of 6.23 million cwt, 21 percent greater than last year and
12 percent more than 1997.  Total onion acreage for all seasons in 1999
(excluding Nevada) is projected at 166,060 acres, a loss of 2 percent from last
year.  Summer non-storage onion acreage (excluding Nevada), at 11,850 acres, is
down 4 percent, while storage onion acreage (except California) at 87,710 acres
is down slightly from the previous year. 




     Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons:  Area Harvested by Season,
            and Crop, Major States, 1997-98 and Prospective Area 1999
                                (Domestic Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                        Area
          Season          :-----------------------------------------------------
            and           :             Harvested             :       For
           Crop           :-----------------------------------:     Harvest
                          :      1997       :      1998       :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                        Acres
                          :
Winter                    :     189,100           191,450           193,500
                          :
Spring                    :
  Snap Beans              :      19,900            23,600            22,900
  Broccoli 1/             :      28,500            28,000            33,000
  Cabbage                 :       8,600             8,500             7,300
  Carrots                 :      22,900            27,800            25,700
  Cauliflower 1/          :      10,000            10,000            11,000
  Celery 1/               :       5,200             4,700             5,000
  Sweet Corn              :      42,600            41,200            38,200
  Cucumbers               :       8,300             7,500             7,000
  Eggplant                :         700               700               500
  Escarole/Endive         :       1,000             1,000               750
  Head Lettuce            :      43,800            43,500            46,200
  Bell Peppers 1/         :       7,800             7,600             7,000
  Tomatoes                :      26,550            26,200            28,250
                          :
Total 13 Vegetables       :     225,850           230,300           232,800
                          :
  Cantaloup               :      35,700            36,000            41,200
  Honeydews               :       5,200             5,700             6,300
  Watermelon              :      71,000            70,400            65,300
                          :
Total 3 Melons            :     111,900           112,100           112,800
                          :
Total Spring Crop         :     337,750           342,400           345,600
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes fresh market and processing.




     Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons:  Area Harvested by Season,
            and Crop, Major States, 1997-98 and Prospective Area 1999
                                 (Metric Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                        Area
          Season          :-----------------------------------------------------
            and           :             Harvested             :       For
           Crop           :-----------------------------------:     Harvest
                          :      1997       :      1998       :      1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          :                      Hectares
                          :
Winter                    :      76,530            77,480            78,310
                          :
Spring                    :
  Snap Beans              :       8,050             9,550             9,270
  Broccoli 1/             :      11,530            11,330            13,350
  Cabbage                 :       3,480             3,440             2,950
  Carrots                 :       9,270            11,250            10,400
  Cauliflower 1/          :       4,050             4,050             4,450
  Celery 1/               :       2,100             1,900             2,020
  Sweet Corn              :      17,240            16,670            15,460
  Cucumbers               :       3,360             3,040             2,830
  Eggplant                :         280               280               200
  Escarole/Endive         :         400               400               300
  Head Lettuce            :      17,730            17,600            18,700
  Bell Peppers 1/         :       3,160             3,080             2,830
  Tomatoes                :      10,740            10,600            11,430
                          :
Total 13 Vegetables       :      91,400            93,200            94,210
                          :
  Cantaloup               :      14,450            14,570            16,670
  Honeydews               :       2,100             2,310             2,550
  Watermelon              :      28,730            28,490            26,430
                          :
Total 3 Melons            :      45,280            45,370            45,650
                          :
Total Spring Crop         :     136,680           138,570           139,860
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes fresh market and processing.




      Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons:  Area Harvested by Crop,
       State, and Total, Spring Season, 1997-98 and Prospective Area 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :         :              Area              :   1999
           Crop          :  Usual  :--------------------------------: Area for
           and           : Harvest :      Harvested      :   For    :  Harvest
          State          : Period  :---------------------: Harvest  :as Percent
                         :         :   1997   :   1998   :   1999   :  of 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :         :  ----------- Acres ----------     Percent
                         :         :
Snap Beans               :         :
  FL                     : Apr-Jun :  13,000     15,000     14,000        93
  GA                     : Apr-Jun :   4,500      6,200      6,500       105
  NJ                     : Jun-Jul :   1,100      1,300      1,300       100
  SC                     : May-Aug :   1,300      1,100      1,100       100
  Total                  :         :  19,900     23,600     22,900        97
                         :         :
Broccoli 1/              :         :
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :  28,500     28,000     33,000       118
                         :         :
Cabbage                  :         :
  FL                     : Apr-Jun :   3,000      2,300      1,600        70
  GA                     : Apr-Jun :   3,500      4,000      4,000       100
  NJ                     : Jun-Jul :   1,000      1,000        900        90
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :   1,100      1,200        800        67
  Total                  :         :   8,600      8,500      7,300        86
                         :         :
Cantaloups               :         :
  AZ                     : May-Jul :  11,500      9,800     12,200       124
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :  18,700     18,500     19,800       107
  GA                     : Apr-Jun :   2,100      3,000      3,500       117
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :   3,400      4,700      5,700       121
  Total                  :         :  35,700     36,000     41,200       114
                         :         :
Carrots                  :         :
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :  20,000     25,000     24,000        96
  FL                     : Apr-Jul :   2,400      1,500
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :     500      1,300      1,700       131
  Total                  :         :  22,900     27,800     25,700        92
                         :         :
Cauliflower 1/           :         :
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :  10,000     10,000     11,000       110
                         :         :
Celery 1/                :         :
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :   5,200      4,700      5,000       106
                         :         :
Sweet Corn               :         :
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :  10,800     12,300     11,800        96
  FL                     : Apr-Jul :  31,800     28,900     26,400        91
  Total                  :         :  42,600     41,200     38,200        93
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes fresh market and processing.




          Selected Fresh Market Vegetables and Melons:  Area Harvested
                    by Crop, State, and Total, Spring Season,
                  1997-98 and Prospective Area 1999 (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :         :              Area              :   1999
           Crop          :  Usual  :--------------------------------: Area for
           and           : Harvest :      Harvested      :   For    :  Harvest
          State          : Period  :---------------------: Harvest  :as Percent
                         :         :   1997   :   1998   :   1999   :  of 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         :         :  ----------- Acres ----------     Percent
                         :         :
Cucumbers                :         :
  FL                     : Jan-Jun :   6,700      5,700      5,200        91
  SC                     : May-Aug :   1,000      1,200      1,200       100
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :     600        600        600       100
  Total                  :         :   8,300      7,500      7,000        93
                         :         :
Eggplant                 :         :
  FL                     : Apr-Jul :     700        700        500        71
                         :         :
Escarole/Endive          :         :
  FL                     : Apr-Jul :     600        600        350        58
  NJ                     : May-Aug :     400        400        400       100
  Total                  :         :   1,000      1,000        750        75
                         :         :
Honeydews                :         :
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :   3,200      3,400      3,500       103
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :   2,000      2,300      2,800       122
  Total                  :         :   5,200      5,700      6,300       111
                         :         :
Head Lettuce             :         :
  AZ - Other             : Mar-Jun :   1,900      2,600      3,000       115
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :  40,000     38,000     40,000       105
  NJ                     : May-Jul :     800        800        800       100
  NM                     : Apr-May :   1,100      2,100      2,400       114
  Total                  :         :  43,800     43,500     46,200       106
                         :         :
Bell Peppers 1/          :         :
  FL                     : Apr-Jun :   7,500      7,300      6,600        90
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :     300        300        400       133
  Total                  :         :   7,800      7,600      7,000        92
                         :         :
Tomatoes                 :         :
  AL                     : Apr-Apr :     600        300        300       100
  AR                     : Jun-Aug :     550        700        750       107
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :   7,800      6,800      7,800       115
  FL                     : Apr-Jul :  13,100     13,800     14,200       103
  SC                     : May-Jul :   3,200      3,200      3,600       113
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :   1,300      1,400      1,600       114
  Total                  :         :  26,550     26,200     28,250       108
                         :         :
Watermelons              :         :
  AL                     : Apr-Apr :   2,100      2,200      2,300       105
  AZ                     : May-Jul :   6,500      7,300      6,500        89
  CA                     : Apr-Jun :   4,600      4,400      4,500       102
  FL                     : Apr-Jun :  30,000     32,000     31,000        97
  TX                     : Apr-Jun :  27,800     24,500     21,000        86
  Total                  :         :  71,000     70,400     65,300        93
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes fresh market and processing.





         Fresh Market Vegetables:  Area Harvested, Yield, and Production
                       by Crop, Season, and Total, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :          Area          :Yield per Acre:        Production
    Crop,    :------------------------------------------------------------------
   Season,   :   Harvested   :  For   :    :    :    :        :        :
  and State  :---------------:Harvest :1997:1998:1999:  1997  :  1998  :  1999
             : 1997  : 1998  :  1999  :    :    :    :        :        :
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             :-------- Acres --------  ---- Cwt ----   ------- 1,000 Cwt ------
             :
Asparagus 1/ :
  Spring     :
    CA       :30,100  32,200   33,600   27   28           813      902
    MI       :17,500  17,500   16,500   15   16           263      280
    NJ       : 1,000   1,000    1,000   23   27            23       27
    WA       :23,000  22,000   22,000   36   36           828      792
    Total    :71,600  72,700   73,100   27   28         1,927    2,001
             :
Onions       :
  Spring 2/  :
    AZ 3/    : 2,100   2,500    2,700  355  470           746    1,175
    CA 3/    : 9,600   6,800    6,000  450  440         4,320    2,992
    GA       :15,800  13,900   14,000  220  160  200    3,476    2,224    2,800
    TX       : 9,800  11,400   13,200  215  255  260    2,107    2,907    3,432
    Total    :37,300  34,600   35,900  285  269  229   10,649    9,298    6,232
             :
Straw-       :
 berries 1/  :
  Winter     :
    FL       : 6,100   6,200    6,200  290  260  290    1,769    1,612    1,798
             :
  Spring     :
    CA       :22,600  24,200   24,700  590  580  600   13,334   14,036   14,820
    MI       : 1,500   1,400    1,300   65   68            98       95
    NJ       :   450     450      450   44   44            20       20
    OR       : 5,000   4,400    3,900  100  115           500      506
    WA       : 1,400   1,500    1,500   65   80            91      120
    Total    :30,950  31,950   31,850  454  463        14,043   14,777
             :
 Major States:
  Total      :37,050  38,150   38,050  427  430        15,812   16,389
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes fresh market and processing.
2/  Primarily fresh market.
3/  First forecast will be published July 9, 1999.




                     Onions:  Area Planted by Season, State,
                           and United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Season          :                Acres                 :    1999
            and            :--------------------------------------:   as % of
           State           :    1997    :    1998    :    1999    :    1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           :  ------------- Acres -------------       Percent
                           :
Spring 1/                  :   40,600       36,500       37,000         101
                           :
Summer 1/                  :
  Non-storage              :
    NV 2/                  :    1,800        2,100
    NM                     :    7,900        7,300        7,200          99
    TX                     :    4,200        4,200        3,800          90
    WA                     :      900          850          850         100
    Total 3/               :   14,800       14,450       11,850          96
                           :
  Storage                  :
    CO                     :   18,000       16,500       16,000          97
    ID                     :    8,400        8,200        8,100          99
    MI                     :    5,000        4,900        4,300          88
    MN                     :      650          490          490         100
    NY                     :   12,500       13,100       13,100         100
    OH                     :      520          530          520          98
    OR                     :
      Malheur              :   12,200       12,200       13,000         107
      West                 :    7,600        7,600        7,000          92
    UT                     :    2,400        2,500        2,500         100
    WA                     :   17,800       19,800       20,800         105
    WI                     :    2,200        2,100        1,900          90
                           :
    Subtotal               :   87,270       87,920       87,710         100
                           :
    CA 4/                  :   32,400       32,000       29,500          92
                           :
    Total 3/               :  134,470      134,370      129,060          98
                           :
  US 3/                    :  175,070      170,870      166,060          98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Primarily fresh market.
2/  Estimate to be published in January 2000 annual.
3/  Percent calculated excluding Nevada.
4/  Primarily Processing.




Asparagus:  Intended acreage for harvest is estimated at 73,100 acres, up
1 percent from 1998.  In California, drier weather resulted in good growing
conditions. Harvest is coming to an end for the Imperial Valley and in full
swing in the Stockton-Delta region.  New Jersey producers report the crop in
good condition and are expecting a good season.  Most Michigan growers report
plant stand quality as average.  A normal crop is expected as long as frosts do
not occur during April and May.

Snap Beans:  Acreage for spring harvest is estimated at 22,900 acres, down
3 percent from last year.  In Florida, harvest is active with the crop reported
in good to very good condition.

Broccoli:  California's acreage for spring harvest is forecast at 33,000 acres,
up 18 percent from 1998.  Moderate spring temperatures experienced by southern
California provided good growing conditions.  No unusual pest or disease
problems were reported.

Cabbage:  Intended acreage for spring harvest, estimated at 7,300 acres, is a
decrease of 14 percent from last year.  Planting in Florida is complete and
harvest is active in all major growing areas.  The warm winter allowed the crop
to mature faster resulting in an earlier end to the harvest season.  Wet
conditions in New Jersey from early to mid-March delayed planting for 3 - 7
days.
 
Cantaloups:  Acreage intended for harvest is estimated at 41,200 acres, up
14 percent from 1998.  Arizona producers have experienced an excellent first
quarter with a very mild winter and below average rainfall.  In California,
warm spring weather and low rainfall have produced better that average growing
conditions.  Planting and other field operations have progressed normally. 
Quality is very good to excellent and yields are expected to be high for
Imperial and Coachella Valley producers. 

Carrots:  Intended acreage for harvest is estimated at 25,700 acres, down
8 percent from last year. The California crop is a little behind schedule due
to late winter rains and cold, wet soils.

Cauliflower:  California's acreage for spring harvest is estimated at 11,000
acres, 10 percent above 1998.  Cooler temperatures in the Salinas area slowed
crop development, therefore early yields are expected to be slightly below
normal.  Crop quality is excellent throughout the state.

Celery:  California's acreage for spring harvest is forecast at 5,000 acres, up
6 percent from last year. California acreage is up because growers are
anticipating a repeat of last spring's high El Nio-driven prices.  Harvest is
nearly complete in the Imperial Valley.  A harvest delay of seven days is
expected in the coastal areas due to abnormally cool temperatures.

Sweet Corn:  Intended acreage for harvest is estimated at 38,200 acres, down
7 percent from 1998.  California is expecting good quality and high yields for
the spring season in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys (the major sweet corn
producing areas).  Growing conditions have been excellent with warm
temperatures and low rainfall.  In Florida, cool temperatures in early January
slowed ear development and plant growth.  Warmer temperatures in late January
and most of February and March improved development.  By late January, East
Coast growers started picking winter crop acreage with crates averaging 48-52
ears each.  Planting began on a limited basis on the higher sandy soils away
from Lake Apopka during late February and was completed by the middle of March. 
Growers in the Everglades region began harvesting their spring crop during late
March and early April.

Cucumbers:  Spring harvested acreage is estimated at 7,000 acres, down 7
percent from 1998.  
Cold temperatures caused significant damage to the Florida crop in early
January forcing producers to make salvage harvests following the bad weather. 
Warm weather in February and March boosted plant growth and fruit development
in all areas.  Strong March winds caused no significant damage.  Picking began
in late February on the East Coast and after mid-March for the West Central
area.

Eggplant:  Florida harvested acreage is estimated at 500 acres, down 29 percent
from 1998.  
Low prices and competition from Mexico caused growers to decrease their
acreage.  Overall growth and development have been good and harvest is
underway.  This crop looks to be of good quality.

Escarole/Endive:  Intended acreage for spring harvest is estimated at 750
acres, down 25 percent from last year.  The Florida crop escaped significant
damage from early January winds and cool weather. Warm, dry weather from late
January into February boosted plant growth.  Planting in New Jersey began in
mid-March. 

Honeydew Melons:  Acreage for harvest is forecast at 6,300 acres, up 11 percent
from last year. California temperatures were favorable at the beginning of the
year but turned cooler in March.  As a result, growth of the honeydew crop has
been slow.  Harvest will likely be delayed at least one week.

Head Lettuce:  Intended acreage for harvest is forecast at 46,200 acres, up
6 percent from 1998.   Weather conditions in Arizona have been favorable and
harvest is on schedule.  March weather in California has been drier than normal
and cool.  Growers have been busy weeding, thinning, and spraying for aphids. 
The San Joaquin Valley is just beginning its harvest.  Wet conditions early in
the season delayed planting 3-5 days.  Improved conditions toward the end of
March allowed producers to catch up on planting.  New Mexico producers are
expecting insects and weeds to be a problem this year as a result of above
normal temperatures and dry conditions over the winter.  Most of the crop is
reported in good to excellent condition after a slow moving winter storm came
through toward the end of March.

Spring Onions:  Producers intend to harvest 35,900 acres up 4 percent from last
year. Production is on schedule in Arizona as a result of excellent growing
conditions during the first quarter of 1999.  In California, crop quality is
very good to excellent and cool temperatures that have affected other
California vegetable crops have placed the spring harvest date only slightly
behind schedule.  The Georgia crop is in good condition and weather conditions
for onions development has been better than normal.  The onion crop from the
Rio Grande Valley in Texas is in fair condition even though the weather has
been dry.  Wet conditions in Laredo delayed planting. Some acreage in the San
Antonio/Winter Garden area was damaged by hail and sand. 

Summer Onions:  Non-storage acreage (excluding Nevada) is 11,850 acres, down
4 percent from the comparable figure last year.  New Mexico has experienced a
mild winter.  By late March, most of the crop was rated in good to excellent
condition.  Winter months in Texas were dry and more recent cool weather may
delay the crop.  Walla Walla Sweets in Washington came through the winter in
average condition with some minor losses during the December cold spell.

Storage onions (except California) are intended to be planted on 87,710 acres,
slightly less than 1998 but a little more than 1997.  Colorado planting is down
slightly from last year.  Currently 49 percent are planted and conditions are
good throughout the state.  Planting in Idaho is underway and progressing
normally.  Western New York growers are optimistic this year as a result of
above average yield and production in 1998.  On the other hand, growers in
Orange County, who were severely hit by hail in 1998, are indicating less
acreage for 1999.  Malheur County, Oregon has planted 60 percent of its crop. 
Planting has not started on the west side of the state.  Planting
conditions were optimum with a warm dry spring.  Winter conditions in
Washington were generally mild and some early planting is underway.

California producers expect to plant 29,500 acres of summer onions, mostly for
processing, down 8 percent from last year.  Crop quality is very good to
excellent.  Planting and other field operations have progressed without
difficulty. 

Bell Peppers:  Acreage for harvest is estimated 7,000 acres, down 8 percent
from 1998.  In southwestern Florida, cold temperatures in early January burned
some leaves but plants were able to recover during the warm weather that
followed.  In mid-January, West Central producers started spring crop planting. 
Southwest growers finished planting in late February.
 
Strawberries:  Acreage intended for spring harvest is estimated at 31,850
acres, down slightly from last year.  Cold spring weather in California has
slightly delayed production.  Southern California harvest has been good and the
whitefly infestation in the Oxnard area is under control.  Fruit size is very
large.  Increased acreage and improving weather should provide an excellent
crop.  The Michigan crop is normal with minor winter and insect injury.  Deer
damage is a problem in some areas.  In New Jersey, the crop is 7-10 days early
due to the mild winter.  However, some plants were hurt by the previous year's
dry conditions.  Growers in Washington reported little to no freeze damage but
are concerned about root rot as a result of the prolonged, wet winter with
record amounts of precipitation.  The Florida winter crop harvest began in
December and is slowing down at this time.  Yield is good for this year's crop.

Tomatoes:  Intended acreage for harvest is forecast at 28,250 acres, up
8 percent from 1998.  California acreage is up from last year and field
operations have been progressing normally.  The Sacramento and San Joaquin
Valleys (where most of the tomatoes are grown) have experienced good rainfall. 
Imperial Valley on the other hand, has had low rainfall and cool temperatures
which will slow development.  In Florida, Palmetto-Ruskin growers began spring
transplanting in early January and completed by late March.  Cold temperatures
in early January slowed crop development with some foliage suffering wind burn. 
Warmer temperatures followed which aided plant recovery.  Cooler temperatures
in early March have slowed fruit maturation.  In Texas, the crop looks good for
areas that have been planted.  For other areas, planting has been delayed
because January and February were abnormally warm and very dry .
 
Watermelons:  Acreage intended for harvest is estimated at 65,300 acres, down
7 percent from last year.  Arizona producers have benefitted from excellent
growing conditions during the first quarter of 1999.  In California, conditions
were favorable at the beginning of the season, but recent cool temperatures in
March have slowed crop development.  A delay of about 7 days is expected.  In
Florida, the southern crop is planted and in fair to good condition.  Central
areas are currently planting and planting is just about to start in the north. 
Soil conditions have been dry for dryland watermelons.




          Processing Vegetables:  Prospective Plantings and Production
            by Crop and Expected Utilization, United States, 1997-99
                                (Domestic Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                  Area Planted                   :
    Utilization   :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
        and       :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
       Crop       :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  : -------------------- Acres -------------------     Percent
                  :
All Processing    :
  Snap Beans      :   204,580     204,600     176,400      200,500       114
  Sweet Corn      :   478,900     486,400     436,500      462,200       106
  Cucumbers for   :
   Pickles        :   107,280     105,370      71,320       94,060       132
  Green Peas      :   294,900     298,100     266,100      291,350       109
  Tomatoes        :   293,720     302,260     298,700      349,840       117
  Total           : 1,379,380   1,396,730   1,249,020    1,397,650       112
                  :
Canning           :
  Snap Beans      :   135,580     131,400     112,400      136,700       122
  Sweet Corn      :   254,900     267,400     233,300      246,900       106
  Green Peas      :   126,800     126,350     115,550      124,150       107
                  :
Freezing          :
  Snap Beans      :    69,000      73,200      64,000       63,800       100
  Sweet Corn      :   224,000     219,000     203,200      215,300       106
  Green Peas      :   168,100     171,750     150,550      167,200       111
                  :-------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                   Production                    :
                  :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
                  :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
                  :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
                  :-------------------------------------------------------------
                  : -------------------- Tons --------------------     Percent
                  :
Tomatoes          : 9,973,259   9,394,810   9,316,320   12,046,930       129
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.




          Processing Vegetables:  Prospective Plantings and Production
            by Crop and Expected Utilization, United States, 1997-99
                                 (Metric Units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :                       Area Planted
     Utilization    :-----------------------------------------------------------
         and        :              :            1998             :     1999
        Crop        :     1997     :-----------------------------:   Contract
                    :    Total     :    Total     : Contract 1/  :Intentions 1/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    :                         Hectares
                    :
All Processing      :
  Snap Beans        :     82,790         82,800         71,390          81,140
  Sweet Corn        :    193,810        196,840        176,650         187,050
  Cucumbers for     :
   Pickles          :     43,420         42,640         28,860          38,070
  Green Peas        :    119,340        120,640        107,690         117,910
  Tomatoes          :    118,870        122,320        120,880         141,580
  Total             :    558,220        565,240        505,470         565,610
                    :
Canning 2/          :
  Snap Beans        :     54,870         53,180         45,490          55,320
  Sweet Corn        :    103,160        108,210         94,410          99,920
  Green Peas        :     51,310         51,130         62,950          50,240
                    :
Freezing 2/         :
  Snap Beans        :     27,920         29,620         25,900          25,820
  Sweet Corn        :     90,650         88,630         82,230          87,130
  Green Peas        :     68,030         69,510         60,930          67,660
                    :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :                        Production
                    :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :              :            1998             :     1999
                    :     1997     :-----------------------------:   Contract
                    :    Total     :    Total     : Contract 1/  :Intentions 1/
                    :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :                        Metric Tons
                    :
Tomatoes            :  9,047,540      8,522,780      8,451,620      10,928,730
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.
2/  Utilization may not add to total crop because of rounding.




            Snap Beans for Processing:  Area Planted and Utilization
                       by State and United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                  Area Planted                   :
       State      :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
        and       :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
    Utilization   :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :  ------------------- Acres ------------------      Percent
                  :
                  :
IL                :   12,100      14,700      12,700       14,900        117
IN                :    4,000       4,300                    4,600        
MI                :   23,200      24,000      24,000       21,000         88
NY                :   23,500      21,200      21,200       22,100        104
OR                :   23,700      23,300      23,300       23,000         99
PA                :    9,200       6,800       6,800        6,500         96
WI                :   66,800      66,900      65,400       67,300        103
                  :
Oth Sts 2/        :   42,080      43,400      23,000       41,100        179
                  :
US                :  204,580     204,600     176,400      200,500        114
                  :
Canning           :  135,580     131,400     112,400      136,700        122
                  :
Freezing          :   69,000      73,200      64,000       63,800        100
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.
2/  1997 - AR, CA, DE, FL, GA, MD, MN, MO, NJ, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, and
    WA.
    1998-99 - AR, CA, DE, FL, GA, MD, MN, MO, NJ, NC, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, and
    WA.




            Sweet Corn for Processing:  Area Planted and Utilization
                       by State and United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                  Area Planted                   :
       State      :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
        and       :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
    Utilization   :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :  ------------------- Acres ------------------      Percent
                  :
ID                :   15,200      16,800                   15,800        
IL                :   18,300      14,600                   14,800      
MN                :  128,600     131,900     131,900      129,100         98
NY                :   40,400      42,000      42,000       32,400         77
OR                :   41,500      37,400      37,400       41,200        110
PA                :    2,800       3,100       3,100        6,700        216
WA                :   89,600     101,500     101,500       95,300         94
WI                :  115,800     111,600     111,600      100,000         90
                  :
Oth Sts 2/        :   26,700      27,500       9,000       26,900        299
                  :
US                :  478,900     486,400     436,500      462,200        106
                  :
Canning           :  254,900     267,400     233,300      246,900        106
                  :
Freezing          :  224,000     219,000     203,200      215,300        106
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.
2/  1997 - DE, IN, IA, MD, NJ, and TN.
    1998 - DE, IA, MD, NJ, and TN.
    1999 - DE, IA, MD, NJ, TN and VA.




                  Cucumbers for Pickles:  Area Planted by State
                           and United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                  Area Planted                   :
                  :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
       State      :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
                  :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :  ------------------ Acres ------------------       Percent
                  :
CA                :    4,400       4,400      4,400        5,000         114
CO                :      780         160        
FL                :    6,500       6,700      3,200        6,100         191
IN                :    2,000       2,100      2,100        2,000          95
MI                :   27,000      27,000     24,000       26,000         108
NC                :   18,300      18,200     11,200       11,000          98
OH                :    3,000       3,000      3,000        2,900          97
SC                :    4,000       2,100      2,100   3,000         143
TX                :    9,400       9,900                   9,800         
WI                :    4,500       4,300      4,100        4,000          98
                  :
Oth Sts 2/        :   27,400      27,510     17,220       24,260         141
                  :
US                :  107,280     105,370     71,320       94,060         132
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.
2/  1997 - AL, AR, DE, GA, IL, LA, MD, MA, MN, MO, NJ, NY,  OR, VA, and WA.
    1998 - AL, DE, LA, MD, MA, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OR, VA, and WA.
    1999 - AL, DE, GA, LA, MD, MA, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OR, VA, and WA.




            Green Peas for Processing:  Area Planted and Utilization
                       by State and United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                  Area Planted                   :
       State      :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
        and       :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
    Utilization   :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :  ------------------- Acres ------------------      Percent
                  :
MN                :   90,000      88,000      88,000       90,200        103
NY                :   18,900      19,600      19,600       15,300         78
OR                :   28,100      31,300      31,300       31,800        102
WA                :   54,400      56,400      56,400       58,200        103
WI                :   62,500      57,400      57,400       46,900         82
                  :
Oth Sts 2/        :   41,000      45,400      13,400       48,950        365
                  :
US                :  294,900     298,100     266,100      291,350        109
                  :
Canning           :  126,800     126,350     115,550      124,150        107
                  :
Freezing          :  168,100     171,750     150,550      167,200        111
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.
2/  1997-99 - CA, DE, ID, IL, IA, ME, MD, MI, NJ, PA, and TN.




              Tomatoes for Processing:  Area Planted and Production
                       by State and United States, 1997-99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                  Area Planted                   :
                  :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
       State      :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
                  :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  : -------------------- Acres -------------------     Percent
                  :
CA                :   270,000     282,000     280,000      329,000       118
IN                :     6,400       7,200       7,200        7,500       104
MI                :     4,300       2,300       2,200        2,400       109
OH                :     9,100       6,700       6,600        7,100       108
PA                :     1,200       1,300       1,300        1,600       123
                  :
Oth Sts 2/        :     2,720       2,760       1,400        2,240       160
                  :
US                :   293,720     302,260     298,700      349,840       117
                  :
                  :-------------------------------------------------------------
                  :                   Production                    :
                  :-------------------------------------------------: Contract
                  :           :         1998          :    1999     :  1999 as
                  :   1997    :-----------------------:  Contract   : % of 1998
                  :   Total   :   Total   :Contract 1/:Intentions 1/:
                  :-------------------------------------------------------------
CA                : 9,342,309   8,892,800   8,845,960   11,500,000       130
IN                :   157,440     156,200     156,200      194,230       124
MI                :   133,300      82,800      79,200       74,000        93
OH                :   252,670     169,090     167,550      183,500       110
PA                :    27,010      33,800      33,800       42,540       126
                  :
Oth Sts 2/        :    60,530      60,120      33,610       52,660       159
                  :
US                : 9,973,259   9,394,810   9,316,320   12,046,930       129
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/  Includes acreage from major brokers.
2/  1997 - DE, IL, MD, NJ, NY, TX, and VA.
    1998 - DE, MD, NJ, NY, and TX.
    1999 - DE, MD, NJ, NY, and VA.




Growers of vegetables for processing intend to plant 1.40 million acres in 
1999, up 12 percent from 1998.  Acreage for freezing at 446,300 acres, is 
up 7 percent; while acreage for canning, estimated at 951,650 acres is up 
9 percent from 1998.
 
Snap Beans:  Processors contracted to plant 200,500 acres of snap beans, 
up 14 percent from last year.  Contracted for freezing, at 63,800 acres, is 
down slightly from 1998.  Contracted acreage for canning, at 136,700 acres, is
up 22 percent from 1998. 

Sweet Corn:  Contract intentions call for 462,200 acres of sweet corn in 1999,
up 6 percent from last year.  Contracted acreage for freezing, at 215,300 
acres, is 6 percent more than last year's total, and contracted acreage for 
canning, at 246,900 acres, is 6 percent more than in 1998.

Cucumbers for Pickles:    Pickle packers intend to contract 94,060 acres of 
cucumbers for pickles, up 32 percent from last year.  Acreage increases are 
forecast for California, Florida, and Michigan.  Soil conditions in California
are better this year due to drier spring weather.

Green Peas:  An estimated 291,350 acres of green peas are to be planted for 
processing.  This level is 9 percent more than last year.  Acreage was above
last year in all major states except New York and Wisconsin, where acreage was
down 22 percent  and 18 percent respectively. Contracted acreage for freezing, 
at 167,200 acres, is 11 percent more than last year's total, and contracted 
acreage for canning, at 124,150 acres, is 7 percent more than the 1998 total.
  
Tomatoes for Canning:  Processors are increasing tomato acreage by 17 percent
this year.  Contracts with growers cover 349,840 acres in 1999.  California
production is estimated at 12.0 million tons, up 29 percent from 1998.  The
California estimate is based on a survey of processors that was conducted in
January.  Updated acreage and production will be available by mid-June.  Cool
weather for February and March has hampered tomato transplant growth in
California's major tomato growing regions.  Harvest will likely be delayed 6-10
days.




                               Index
                           Fresh Market
                                                               Page
By Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Harvested Acres of Selected Vegetables, Melons and Dual Purpose 
Crops by State
Asparagus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Beans, Snap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Broccoli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Cabbage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Cantaloups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Carrots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Cauliflower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Celery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Corn, Sweet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
Cucumbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Eggplant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Escarole/Endive  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Honeydew Melons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Lettuce, Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Onions, Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Peppers, Bell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Strawberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
Tomatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
Watermelons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5

Planted Acres of selected Vegetables
Onions, Summer and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

                            Processing
By Crops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Principal Vegetables by State
Beans, Snap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Corn, Sweet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cucumbers for Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Peas, Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tomatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17



The next "Vegetables" report will be released at 3 p.m. ET on July 9, 1999.




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