U.S. pecan nut exports drop by 70%

Hurricane Helene affects Georgia pecan production: USDA, In its October 2024 Crop Production Report, NASS forecasted that the 2024 U.S. pecan production (usable shell fruit) would be 270.9 million pounds. However, Hurricane Helene landed in Florida in September 2024 and then swept across Georgia, causing severe impacts on Georgia, the largest pecan producing area in the United States. The pecan harvest in Georgia usually begins at the end of September. Strong winds caused a large number of fruits to fall and were difficult to harvest, and the fruit trees in old orchards (taller and older) suffered more serious damage than new orchards. NASS's pecan forecast survey was conducted from September 28 to October 7, when the full impact of the storm had not yet been reflected. The state's production is currently expected to decline by 8% from the October forecast. The combined impact of these factors on Georgia and U.S. pecan production estimates will be clearer in the May "2024 ...