California Grapes Off 3%

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/08 - SNS -- California's all grape production is forecast at 6.05 million tons, down 3% from a year ago, according to the latest USDA crop report.

Wine type grapes account for 53% of California=s total production, raisin type grapes account for 34%, while the remaining 13% are table type grapes. Growers expected an average crop this year despite frost damage from unusually cold temperatures in mid-April. Lack of water was also a concern for growers in southern San Joaquin Valley.

Wine type grape production is forecast at 3.20 million tons, down 3% from the 2007 crop. Bunch counts in the San Joaquin Valley were down slightly from 2007. Decreases were seen in Muscat of Alexandria, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Rubired, while the most significant bunch count increases were in Chenin Blanc and Viognier.

Raisin type grape production is forecast at 2.05 million tons, down 4% from last year. Bunch counts of Thompson Seedless grapes in the Central and South San Joaquin Valley were up from last year. Berry size will be the determining factor in this year's total crop production, however crop development was behind schedule.

Table type grape production is expected to be 800,000 tons, up 1% from last year. Bunch counts were good for table grapes. However, with crop development behind schedule berry size was unknown. Overall, growers expected a good to average crop.

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