The USDA’s Economic Research Service released its annual survey of cantaloupe statistics.
The survey includes 41 charts of information dating back to 1947, and touched on acreage, yields, production, price, value, supply, disappearance, per capita usage, exports, imports, arrivals, chemical use and more.
One set of data said cantaloupe numbers have increased over the past five decades from 1.3 billion pounds in 1960 to 2.9 billion pounds in 2009. Imports have increased from 79 million pounds in 1960 to 945 million pounds in 2009.
Most importantly, the consumption of American grown cantaloupe has increased. In 1960 only 6 percent of cantaloupes eaten were domestic, but today the number has grown to 34 percent.
These growing numbers are promising for cantaloupe producers or farmers looking to explore other crops. If you are in need of a loan to further your farming business, contact Farm Plus today. Low-rate loans are available for your needs. Call 866-929-5585 or visit our website for more information.