Georgia's Peach Industry in a Historical Context

Abstract Georgia's peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] industry has a long tradition, with the first peaches planted in the state more than 400 years ago and the first commercial production occurring in the middle of the 19th century. Peach acreage expanded considerably in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in an all-time high production of 236 million kg by 1928. Production, pest management, and marketing challenges that led to a consolidation of the industry during the second half of the 20th century are discussed. On the national scale in recent years, Georgia has ranked second or third in acreage and production of peaches. Although problem areas still exist, the industry enjoys important production and marketing benefits, most notably its proximity to large eastern markets and favorable prices due to early harvest and high-quality fruit production.