Solid Increase in Apple Output Seen

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/04 - SNS -- The first production forecast for this year's apple crop in the United States is 9.37 billion pounds, up 9% from last year and 10% above 2002, according to the USDA's latest crop estimates.

Compared to 2003, production increases in the Eastern and Western States more than offset a projected decrease in the Central States.

The Western States (AZ, CA, CO, ID, OR, UT, WA) production is forecast at 5.99 billion pounds, up 15% from last year and 1% above 2002. Washington, which makes up 56% of the U.S. production, is forecasting 5.20 billion pounds of apples. Washington is up 16% from last year and 2% above 2002.

A warm spring with few weather related problems contributed to a promising California crop, forecast at 440 million pounds, 2% below last season. The spring heat wave, however, contributed to smaller sized fruit. Harvest began eight days earlier than normal for the Gala variety. Color and overall quality are excellent.

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