Overview

Figs grow on the Ficus tree (Ficus carica), which is a member of the Mulberry family. Figs were likely first cultivated in Egypt. They became a highly regarded food in the Greek diet after being spread through Crete and other countries in the region. Ancient Romans considered them sacred fruit. In 1759, Spanish missionary priests introduced fig trees to California, planting them at the San Diego Mission.

Today, California ranks first in the nation in fig production, accounting for nearly 98 percent of all figs produced. The California fig industry, consisting of both fresh fruit and processed fruit, produced 51,600 tons of figs in 2007. Of that amount, 43,500 tons, or 84 percent, were processed. The 2007 fig crop was valued at $24.9 million, continuing a decline in total crop value largely attributable to lower prices.

Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Iran and Morocco are the top five producers of figs worldwide, growing over 60 percent of the total crop.  July 2008... Figs

Marketing

• California Fig Advisory Board
• Dried Fruit Association (DFA) - This nonprofit organization represents the dried fruit and tree nut industry from grower to consumer. Its membership includes cooperatives, independent packers and grower packers of more that 95 percent of California's dried fruit and tree nut production. The site has files relating to quality standards, worker-safety issues and food and plan biosecurity.
• Fig, California Rare Fruit Growers.
• Fruit and Tree Nuts Situation and Outlook Yearbook, ERS, USDA, 2007.
• Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2007 Summary, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), USDA, July 2008 - Provides such stats as dried fig production in California, average price for dried and fresh figs and domestic consumption.
• Top Five Producing Nations Grow More Than Half of World Fig Production, Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, ERS, USDA, 2004.
• United States Standards for Grades of Dried Figs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, 2001.

Production

• Fig, Integrated Pest Management guidelines, University of California, Davis.
• Fig Production Guide, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 1999.
• Figs, University of Hawaii.
• Figs, Fruits of Warm Climates, Purdue University, 1987 - Discusses production, harvesting and food uses.
• Figs for Commercial and Home Production in Louisiana, Louisiana State University Ag Center, 2005.
• Figs: Symptoms, Comments, Management; Pest Management guidelines; University of California, 2006.
• Figs, World's Healthiest Foods, George Mateljan Foundation - Sponsored by a nonprofit organization, this website offers the latest scientific information about the benefits of healthy eating.
• Florida Plant Disease Management Guide: Fig, IFAS, University of Florida, 2006.
• Texas Plant Disease Handbook: Figs, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University.

Links checked February 2008.