California's fresh fig harvest is off to a late start due to cooler summer weather. California Figs photo

The 2025 main California fig harvest is now underway, off to a later start due to cool summer weather.

But the Madera-based California Fresh Fig Growers Association hopes the wait is worth it as they prepare to launch a new kind of fig.

Due to new acres planted and a healthy crop, growers expect plenty of supply. The Association predicts nearly 10 million pounds will be harvested in 2025. 

More than 100 producers, marketers, farm managers and processors of California Figs farm about 9,300 acres, mostly in and around the cities of Madera, Fresno and Merced, according to the California Figs website.

The 2023 Madera County crop report states there were 5,200 harvested acres of figs. This produced 12,064 tons of fresh figs. With the production value of $3,359 per ton, the 2023 harvest totaled $40.52 million in Madera County.

“California fig orchards are thriving and delivering plump and delicious fruit, including a new variety,” said Karla Stockli, CEO of the California Fresh Fig Growers Association.

The “Emerald” has a light green skin with a creamy, sweet flavor profile, according to a news release. California continues to grow the fig varieties Mission, Brown Turkey, Sierra and Tiger. 

California produces 98% of all fresh figs and 100% of dried figs to all of the U.S., according to the release.

“California fresh figs are available seasonally but California dried figs are a year-round staple, offering the same nutrition and taste benefits. Substitute dried figs for fresh in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, sauces and more, to enjoy California Figs throughout the year,” according to the California Figs website.