The 2016 California table olive forecast is 65,000 tons, down 17 percent from last year’s crop of 78,000 tons, according to a survey conducted by the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Office. Bearing acreage is estimated at 19,000, which results in a yield of 3.42 tons per acre.
The Manzanillo production forecast is 57,000 tons and the Sevillano production forecast is 7,000 tons. Other varieties are expected to total 1,000 tons.
Despite the increase in rainfall, drought conditions remain a concern for growers. Variable crop yields and labor shortages continue to impact some growers. The crop is reported to be about 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule.
Survey Sample
There were 328 growers sampled for the survey. Reports from 180 were used to establish this forecast. The sample is designed to provide a State estimate of all varieties; estimates by variety are less precise.