NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Strawberries, Soils and Water

STRAWBERRY TRENDS IN 1999

California strawberry acreage increased slightly in 1999; Santa Maria's acreage decreased slightly. Camarosa continues to be the dominant variety in both California and Santa Maria.

California's 1999 total acreage is estimated at 24,603 acres compared to the 24,164 acres in 1998. Camarosa was planted on 10,956 acres in California in 1999. This is 44% of the total acreage throughout the state.

The Santa Maria district has 3,703 acres in 1999 compared to 3,778 acres in 1998. Santa Maria holds 15.1% of the total state acreage. Camarosa was planted on 3,010 acres in Santa Maria or 81.3% of the 1999 acreage. This compared to 3,043 acres or 80.5% of the 1998 acreage. There are 634 acres of proprietary varieties growing in Santa Maria in 1999 or 17.1% of the acreage.

Other key strawberry areas within California include Oxnard and Watsonville. Oxnard's acreage is 15.9% higher in 1999 than it was in 1998. The 1999 acreage is 6,692 acres compared to the 1998 total of 5,776 acres. Watsonville remains the largest production area with 11,108 acres or 45.1% of California total acreage.

Reference: California Strawberry Commission, Strawberry Review, January 1999.