Smaller Than Expected Grape Harvest

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/06 - SNS -- U.S. grape production is forecast at 6.42 million tons, down 4% from the August forecast and 18% below 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

California leads the U.S. in grape production with 90% of the total. Washington and New York are the next largest producing States, with 5% and 2%, respectively. California's all grape forecast, at 5.75 million tons, is down 5% from the August forecast and 18% below last year.

Washington growers expect to produce 350,000 tons, unchanged since the previous forecast but 16% below last year's record crop. New York's forecast, at 154,000 tons, is down 4% from August and 13% below a year ago.

California's wine type grape production is expected to total 3.00 million tons, 6% below the August forecast and down 21% from 2005. Wine type grapes account for 52% of California's grape crop.

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