The USDA's 2024 Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts Summary outlines a mixed year for U.S. specialty crops, with some commodities seeing higher yields and values, while others declined due to acreage reductions, weather impacts, or market fluctuations.
Fruit production highlights
Apple production in 2024 reached 10.5 billion pounds, down 5% from 2023. Although yield per acre declined, the crop's total value rose 2% to $2.9 billion, supported by higher average prices. Avocado production surged 53% to 195,850 tons, with a significant 115% increase in value to $537 million, largely due to improved yields.
Apricots, by contrast, experienced a 10% drop in output, totaling 32,330 tons, with a 5% decline in value to $46.6 million. Blueberries performed strongly: cultivated varieties rose 23% to 789 million pounds, valued at $1.15 billion, while wild blueberries from Maine increased 11% in volume and 15% in value.
Sweet cherry production slightly decreased to 360,710 tons, yet value increased 26% to $817 million. Tart cherries rose 29% to 207 million pounds, driven by better yields, with value up 39% to $41.9 million. Coffee production in Hawaii climbed 16% to 22.4 million pounds, valued at $53 million.
Cranberry output rose 10% to 8.91 million barrels, with value up 11% to $340 million. Grapes, one of the largest-value crops, fell 12% in production to 5.4 million tons, while total crop value decreased 13% to $6.19 billion. Nectarines dropped 10% in output, though their value edged up 2%.
Kiwifruit saw a 29% increase in production, while olive production rose 33%, reaching 161,200 tons, valued at $144 million. Peaches rebounded 20% to 696,080 tons, with a notable 39% increase in value to $926 million. Pears dropped 26% in production and 21% in value. Strawberries rose 12% in volume to 32.2 million cwt and 13% in value to $4 billion.
Nut sector overview
Among nuts, almonds led with 2.65 billion pounds (up 13%), valued at $5.66 billion—a 40% increase. Pistachio production dropped 26%, though it still totaled 1.10 billion pounds, valued at $2.05 billion. Walnuts declined 27% to 603,000 tons, but crop value rose 44% to $1.04 billion due to stronger prices.
Pecan output fell 14% to 265 million pounds, valued at $468 million. Hazelnuts rose slightly in volume and significantly in value (up 28% to $163 million). Macadamia output decreased 2%, yet value climbed 36% to $42 million.
The data reflect changing market dynamics, input costs, and climatic factors influencing U.S. specialty crop outcomes for 2024.
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