Chile Worries About 2002 and 2003 Grape Harvests

SANTIAGO - Sep 17/02 - SNS -- Table grade production levels in Chile ended up disappointing producers on account of abnormal weather in the northern growing areas, and worries are building about projected production levels in 2003.

Commenting on the situation, the U.S. agricultural attache here said while good weather and above normal temperatures advanced the harvest season in the northern grape-growing areas, yields were down because harvested bunches were smaller in size.

Reportedly quality also was affected in the southern production areas by unexpected rain in February which adversely affected fruit conditions necessitating additional spraying and reducing shelf live while increasing costs. As a result, export prices fell and economic revenues are expected to be down.

Although it is still early to forecast production for 2003, the U.S. agricultural attache said because weather forecasts call for more cloudy and rainy days than usual this coming spring there are indications that an "El Nino" weather phenomenon is developing, which could affect pollination during the spring and summer. This probably will have a negative effect on total table grape production.

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