Fresh
Fresh vegetable and melon production in 2009 totaled 443 million hundredweight, down slightly from last year. The value of the 2009 crop was a record-high $10.4 billion, up slightly from 2008. In terms of production, the three largest crops were onions, head lettuce and watermelons, which combined to account for 38 percent of total production. Tomatoes, head lettuce and onions claimed the highest values, accounting for 32 percent of the total value when combined.

California continued to be the leader in fresh vegetable and melon production. The state's revenue increased 3 percent to $5.4 billion, which accounted for 52 percent of the national value of annual fresh vegetable and melon output.

The value of fresh-market vegetable exports declined slightly from 2008 to $1.7 billion. Canada remained the leading overseas destination for U.S. fresh vegetable exports, accounting for 81 percent of total value. The United States remained a net importer of fresh-market vegetables (excluding potatoes and melons) in 2009. Although the value of vegetable imports fell 3 percent to $4.1 billion, the volume increased 5 percent. Mexico remained the top supplier of fresh-market vegetables, accounting for 75 percent of U.S. fresh vegetable import value.  (Vegetables and Melons Outlook, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA, February 2010.)


Processed
Production of the major vegetables used for processing increased 11 percent to 19.5 million tons in 2009. The two largest crops, in terms of production, were tomatoes, and sweet corn. The value of these processing vegetables also rose 11 percent to a record $2.1 billion. The top two in terms of value of production, were also tomatoes, up 24 percent from 2008, and sweet corn, up 2 percent.

California again led the nation in production and value of processing vegetables. The state produced 69 percent of the crop and the value of its crop was 57 percent of the value of U.S. processed vegetables. Other top producers included the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Washington. 

The United States remained a net importer of processed (canned, frozen, dried) vegetables in 2009. The value of processed vegetable imports fell 2 percent from a year earlier, while the volume declined for the first time since 2000, falling 4 percent. By value, Mexico remained the top supplier of processed vegetables (25 percent of the total, followed by China (12 percent), Canada (11 percent) and Peru (10 percent).  (Vegetables and Melons Outlook, ERS, USDA, February 2010.)
 

Topics

• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Avocados, See Fruits.
• Azuki Beans
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chickpeas
• Dry Edible Beans
• Eggplants
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Melons
• Olives, See Fruits.
• Onions
• Peanuts
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Spinach
• Squash
• Sweet Corn
• Sweet Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Watermelons