USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service — The 2022 California table olive forecast is 20,000 tons, down considerably from last year’s crop of 46,500 tons, according to a survey conducted by the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Office. Bearing acreage is estimated at 12,000, which results in a yield of 1.67 tons per acre.
The Manzanillo production forecast is 18,500 tons, Sevillano production forecast is 1,400 tons, and other varieties are expected to total 100 tons.
A freeze during February damaged developing buds and negatively impacted production. Growers reported variable crop yields by both variety and area. Manzanillo yields were reported to be slightly higher than the Sevillano yields. Water availability, labor costs, and marketing remain issues for California olives growers, with many uncertain how much of their crop will be economical to harvest.
SURVEY SAMPLE
There were 305 growers sampled for the survey. Reports from 224 were used to establish this forecast. The sample is designed to provide a State estimate of all varieties; estimates by variety are less precise.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A special thanks goes to the many olive growers who participated in the survey. Time spent completing the survey is appreciated, and helpful in estimating current condition of the olive industry in California. The California Table Olive Forecast is funded by the California Olive Committee.
