U.S. Grape Production Recovers

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS -- Grape production in the United States is expected to reach 6.99 million short tons this year, up 9% from 2006 but 11% below 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

California leads the U.S. in grape production with 88% of the total. Washington and New York are the next largest producing States, with 5% and 3%, respectively. California's all grape forecast, at 6.18 million tons, is unchanged from the July forecast but up 7% from 2006. Washington growers expect to harvest 381,000 tons, up 21% from a year ago. New York's forecast, at 180,000 tons, is 16% above last year.

Washington's production is forecast at 381,000 tons, up 21% from a year ago. Wine grape production is forecast at 131,000 tons, 9% above 2006. If realized, this will be the largest wine grape crop on record, surpassing last year's record crop. Favorable conditions during bloom and throughout the growing season combined with an increase in bearing acreage has led to another excellent crop. The juice type grape forecast, at 250,000 tons, is 28% above the 2006 crop. Growing conditions during spring and summer have been favorable and frost damage this year was minor.

Grape production for New York is forecast at 180,000 tons, 16% above last year's frost damaged crop. Some frost and hail damage was reported in the Lake Erie region again this year although damage is not expected to be as severe as last year. Dry weather, particularly in the Chautauqua and Finger Lakes areas, has kept disease pressure low but berry size small. Recent rainfall has improved growing conditions and growers expect a more promising crop than last year.

Michigan's grape production is forecast at 95,000 tons, 192% above last year's frost devastated crop but 7% below 2005. A freeze in April killed many early preliminary buds in southwest Michigan but secondary and late primary buds have produced a very good crop. Dry conditions have kept disease pressure low and the grape crop is one to two weeks ahead of normal development.

Pennsylvania's grape production is forecast at 83,000 tons, up 1% from 2006. Hot, dry weather has kept disease pressure low and has left wine grape growers optimistic for a good crop. However, Japanese beetle populations are very high this year causing growers to spray for this pest.

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