Bigger South African Raisin Crop

WASHINGTON - Feb 6/06 - SNS -- South Africa is looking at a possible 42,000 metric tons (MT) raison crop this year because of good weather and precipitation levels, along with the positive alternating bearing of the vines.

In 2005, raisin production totaled 28,386 MT, down from 39,516 MT in 2004 because of a drought and late rains that caused a decline in total production of grapes used for drying, reports the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Thompson seedless raisins and unbleached sultanas experienced significant decreases of about 29% and 65% respectively. There were also reports that many South African grape producers were facing financial hardship and bankruptcy because of bad weather that damaged fresh production and reduced exports, resulting in increasing number of farms on sale.

In 2005, the Western Cape had a 'normal' long cold and wet winter. In June 2005, most parts of the area had good rains that filled some dams. Only the Worcester area did not receive normal rainfall, although the irrigation dams in the region improved from last year. The Department of Water Affairs statistics indicate that the major dams supplying water to the Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, Olifants River, Worcester and Robertson areas are in good shape.

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