Spices Market Update 2025

Onion:

Reduced Acreage: 2025 onion planted acreage is down 12-15% due to carry-in inventories. 

Planting Progress: 100% complete by mid-April. California harvest projected to begin in May.

• Desert region – due to more and later rain events, mildew is a challenge.
• Central Valley – fields under review for possible damage due to recent rain and hail events.
• Pacific NW – plantings to conclude by mid-April. Major storms passed through in early April, potential damage under review.

Acreage Availability: Increased availability of row crop acreage from reductions in other crops has helped onion processors secure sufficient acreage.

Garlic:

Reduced Acreage: 2025 acreage is down 10-15% due to poor seed crop harvest in 2024. 

Planting Progress: 100% complete

• Desert region – progressing well, growers applying fertilizer and water as needed 
• Central Valley – few reports of rust in fields, growers are treating with fungicides

California Water Supply: 

• Sierra snowpack is 96% of average as of April 1, 2025
  
  • Typically provides nearly 1/3 the state's water supply
• Most reservoirs in California currently at or above historical levels
• Ample snowpack and nearly full reservoirs mean stable water supplies in California for the time being