Some Californian stonefruit producers are enjoying decent markets this year, largely due to droughts and hail affecting their dwindling number of competing growers in the state.

Simonian Fruit vice president Jeff Simonian told www.freshfruitportal.com his orchards had not experienced the poor weather conditions that were prevalent elsewhere in California.

"For us it's been going okay. I know some growers who have had some hail damage but for us things have been okay. The weather's been ideal," he said.

"It's been 90 to 100°F [32-38°C], which for stonefruit is pretty good growing weather. We haven't had any rain or any wind issues and the drought really hasn’t affected us at this point.

"It’s been pretty smooth for the most part."

Simonian also explained how poor prices for stonefruit over recent years had led many producers to abandon the crop altogether.

"There's been a lot of pull outs over the last four or five years because the stonefruit growers haven't done very well. Frankly, a lot of them have gone out of business because the prices have been so low," he said.

"Also because in this area there's a lot of other crops that are doing really well like table grapes and nut crops - they’re doing extremely well. So a lot of growers who were in the stonefruit business are pulling out and going to these other crops.

With less competition in the state, and many of those who are still going affected by poor weater, Simonian has been able to enjoy a positive season this year with favorable returns for his produce.

"This year the prices in the market have been better than last year. We could do well there," he said.

HMC Farms was also spared the brunt of the weather in California, and reported a similar outlook to Simonian Farms.

"It's been a good year. It's early, but so far it's been a pretty decent year with stable markets," said sales representative Jon McClarty.

"There’s definitely less fruit out here than there has been in years past. And part of the stability and better prices is a little bit because there was a freeze in the southeast that affected their peach crops."

Despite the season shaping up well this year, McClarty expressed concern that the current drought conditions would last for many years to come.

"It's just kind of a scary situation with the lack of rain over the last couple of years. The long term prospects if we don't have any more rain are going to be pretty grim," he said.

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