ag-formation

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                  Telephone (803) 734-2210
D. LESLIE TINDAL, COMMISSIONER                                        Becky Walton, Director of Public Information
P.O. Box 11280, Columbia, South Carolina 29211                                                       bwalton@scda.state.sc.us
www.scda.state.sc.us


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2000

Peach Orchards Begin Bearing Fruit As Summer Approaches

(GREENVILLE)---Peach orchards throughout the upstate are beginning to look colorful as fruit takes hold of area trees.  South Carolina peaches will be available from early June through August.  Local peaches can be purchased at the three State Farmers Markets in Columbia, Greenville, and Florence or at local peach farms throughout the state.

Peaches in the lower part of the state began ripening in late May, while peaches in the upstate will be available by early June.  Harvest should continue through August. Due to favorable spring weather, this year’s peach crop pretty good, barring any complications from the current drought.  With many of the state’s peach farmers located in the Piedmont, fresh peaches should be abundant.

"This year’s peach crop should be one of the better crops we’ve had in the past 10 years," said Bob McCurry, Executive Director of the South Carolina Peach Council. "Overall," he said, "South Carolina should have a very nice crop."

South Carolina is second only to California in U.S. peach production.

For additional information about South Carolina peaches, contact Bob McCurry at 803-734-2215.  For produce average prices and availability, contact the Fruit and Vegetable Market News Service at (803) 737-4497.

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