Fruit: Statistical Overview

In 2010 there were approximately 3.1 million bearing commercial acres of major fruit crops in the United States, including melons. These plantings produced 31.9 million tons (using the fresh equivalent for processed fruits), worth $15.9 billion to farmers. Per capita availability of fruits in 2009 (including imports) amounted to 257.0 pounds, including 127.5 pounds consumed fresh; 99.3 pounds (fresh equivalent) in juice form; 15.5 pounds canned; 9.2 pounds dried; and 4.9 pounds frozen. (U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics include reported commercial plantings but exclude some minor crops, crops in states with small plantings, home gardens, and some small-scale producers, such as farm stands and farmers’ markets. The figures include melons, avocados, and olives.)