The Washington Mint Growers Association has released crop reports from Northwest dealers.
 In peppermint, an increase of acres is expected this year.
Because of the cooler than normal spring, the crop is somewhat behind schedule, but is characterized as looking good overall.
Some older fields reportedly have some stand issues, but warmer weather is expected to help resolve those issues.
Because the crop is behind schedule, in some cases the decision has not yet been made to single-cut or double-cut fields, according to the reports.
The peppermint market has slowed considerably. Some contracting has been done at the $28 level, but the price has been softening.
In Scotch spearmint, acreage is expected to remain about the same as last year.
Most planting will be for root stock maintenance or to replace old fields.
Cool weather has also slowed this crop, though prospects appear to be good.
The Scotch Spear market is described as being quiet for a long time, with the last spot price being at $18. A fair amount of contracting has taken place.
In Native spearmint, acreage is expected to increase slightly this year.
The crop came through the winter in good condition, although there was some concern early on with damage that may have been caused by cold weather in December.
The crop appears to have recovered, and just needs some hot weather, the reports said.
Contracting that has taken place has been in the $18-$20 range, with spot prices most recently at $17.
Peppermint acreage in Willamette and Klamath Falls and northern California increased by about 60 percent and 50 percent respectively from last year, due to active contracting at acceptable levels.