An unusually early California stone fruit harvest is expected to reduce supplies of organic peaches, nectarines and plums later this summer, creating a tighter market in August, growers say. California growers began harvesting organic stone fruit weeks ahead of normal after favorable spring weather accelerated crop development. Some peach and nectarine varieties matured nearly two weeks earlier than last year, while certain plum varieties were harvested almost a month ahead of schedule. The rapid pace has compressed the season and is expected to leave fewer volumes available during August. Despite smaller fruit sizes caused by the accelerated season, growers report excellent eating quality, with high sugar levels producing strong flavor. Retailers are being encouraged to promote available supplies through July while preparing for reduced inventories later in the summer. Industry analysts say the earlier-than-normal harvest illustrates how weather patterns continue to influence crop timing, availability and marketing strategies for California's organic tree fruit industry.
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