U.S. Grape Production Recovers

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS -- U.S. pear production for 2007 is forecast at 878,050 tons, up 4% from last year and 7% above 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Bartlett pear production for California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 442,000 tons, 2% above the June forecast and 4% more than a year ago. Other pear production in the Pacific Coast States is expected to total 412,000 tons, 6% above last year but 1% below 2005.

Bartlett production for California is forecast at 220,000 tons, up 5% from the June forecast and 11% above 2006. Weather conditions were favorable during the blooming period. Orchardists in all growing regions reported full trees of evenly ripening fruit. In Washington, Bartlett production is forecast at 160,000 tons, equal to the June forecast but 3% below the previous season. The crop was moderated by a cold spring with poor pollination and reported frost damage. Irrigation water has been adequate this season.

Other pear production in Washington is forecast at 230,000 tons, 17% above a year ago but 7% below 2005. Most producers reported favorable weather this season, a welcomed improvement from last year's hail-damaging conditions. In Oregon, other pear production is forecast at 140,000 tons, 8% below last year but 4% above 2005. Growers indicated that most pear varieties are doing well, except for the Bosc crop, which is expected to be substantially reduced. Production in California is forecast at 42,000 tons, up 5% from 2006 and 17% above two years ago. Harvest is underway.

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