Fresh
Fresh vegetable and melon production totaled 43.5 billion pounds in 2010, down slightly from the previous year. The value of the crop was a record-high $10.9 billion, up slightly from 2009. In terms of value, the three largest crops were tomatoes, onions and head lettuce; each had a farm value of more than $1 billion. The higher value of the fresh vegetable crop resulted from higher prices for most of 2010 despite the lower production.

California continued to be the leader in fresh vegetable production. The state's revenue fell 4 percent to $5.4 billion, which accounted for 48 percent of the national value of fresh vegetables, compared with 52 percent in 2009.

The value of fresh-market vegetable exports increased 10 percent during 2010, reaching $1.9 billion. Canada remained the leading overseas destination for U.S. fresh vegetable exports, accounting for 77 percent of total value. By value, the leading fresh vegetable exports were leaf/romaine lettuce, onions, tomatoes, broccoli and carrots.  

The United States remained a net importer of fresh-market vegetables (excluding potatoes and melons) in 2010. The value of vegetable imports rose 24 percent to $5.1 billion, and the volume increased 19 percent. Mexico remained the top supplier of fresh-market vegetables, accounting for 71 percent of U.S. fresh vegetable import value.  (Vegetables and Melons Outlook, Economic Research Service (ERS), USDA, February 2011.)


Processed
Production of the major vegetables used for processing decreased 10 percent to 17.6 million tons in 2010. The two largest crops, in terms of volume, were tomatoes and sweet corn. The value of the major processing vegetables declined 21 percent, fallling to $1.7 billion. The top two, in terms of value, were also tomatoes, down 24 percent from 2009, and sweet corn, down 28 percent.

California again led the nation in production and value of processing vegetables in 2010. For example, the state produced 96 percent of U.S. processing tomatoes. Other top processing vegetable states included Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

The United States remained a net importer of processed (canned, frozen, dried) vegetables and melons in 2010. The value of processed vegetable and melon imports rose 7 percent from a year ago. Mexico remained the top supplier of processed vegetables (26 percent), followed by China (14 percent), Canada (11 percent) and Peru (10 percent).  (Vegetables and Melons Outlook, ERS, USDA, February 2011.)
 

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