Grape Forecast Remains 9% Over 2006

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/07 - SNS -- U.S. grape production is forecast at 6.99 million tons, virtually unchanged from the August forecast but 9% above 2006, according to the latest USDA crop 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 6% and 3%, respectively. California's all grape forecast, at 6.18 million tons, is unchanged from August but 7% above last year. Washington growers expect to produce 385,000 tons, 1% above the previous forecast and up 22% from last year. New York's forecast, at 176,000 tons, is down 2% from August but 14% above a year ago.

California's wine type grape production is expected to total 3.20 million tons, unchanged from the August forecast but up 1% from 2006. Wine type grapes account for 52% of California's grape crop. The wine type grape harvest progressed well until rain and cool temperatures hit the State. The unfavorable weather caused some growers to delay harvest until sugar content returned to more adequate levels.

California's raisin type grape production is forecast at 2.20 million tons, 36% of California's total grape crop. The production forecast for raisin type grape varieties is unchanged from the previous forecast but 18% above a year ago.

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