Cultural Practices

● Oregon is the second ranking U.S. producer of plums and prunes, but because California has so many acres, Oregon's share of the total is only 1.6%. ● Workers harvested an estimated 1,963 acres of plums and prunes in 1999 (5). ● Cost varies greatly depending on location. (For instance, irrigation needs are quite different between regions.) ● Of the plums grown in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Michigan, about half are processed. Growers in Eastern Oregon sell the prunes fresh in eastern markets; those in Western Oregon sell their crops dried or canned. Production Regions Eighteen Oregon counties grow reportable acres of prunes and plums. Polk County has the most acres, but Washington County produces the most pounds. Other counties with over 300 acres each are Douglas, Umatilla, and Yamhill. All except Umatilla are in western Oregon (3). Fresh prunes grown in Umatilla County are included in market orders covering designated counties in Washington. Marketing orders authorize grade, size, maturity, markings, pack, and container regulations for the area (6)