California Grape Harvest Lifts 11%

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/02 - SNS -- California's all grape production is forecast at 6.62 million tons, up 11% from last year but down 6% from 2000. Wine type grapes account for 50% of California's total production, raisin types account for 38%, while the remaining 12% are table type grapes, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Wine type grape production is forecast at 3.30 million tons, up 8% from last season's crop but 2% lower than the 2000 crop. Most areas had mild temperatures in May, which helped the crop have an excellent start. With the favorable weather conditions, a good bloom occurred, resulting in a large number of bunches. Size, quality, and color are expected to be very good.

California's raisin type grape production is forecast at 2.55 million tons, up 16% from last year but 13% below the 2000 crop. Mild weather conditions allowed for a good bloom to occur. A large number of bunches was reported, with the bunches per vine greater than last year. Thompson Seedless harvest was active through late June in the Coachella Valley.

Table type grape production is expected to be 770,000 tons, up 8% from last year but 1% lower than 2000. Picking was active through late June in the Coachella Valley, with Perlette and Flame Seedless the primary varieties harvested.

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