Little Change in U.S. Grape Forecast

WASHINGTON - Oct 28/08 - SNS -- U.S. grape production is forecast at 7.21 million tons, virtually unchanged from August 1 but up 3% from 2007, according to the USDA's revised crop production and seeded area estimates.

California leads the U.S. in grape production with 89% of the total. Washington and New York are the next largest producing States, with 5% and 2%, respectively. California's all grape forecast, at 6.43 million tons, is up slightly from the August forecast and 4% above 2007. Washington growers expect to harvest 365,000 tons, down 3% from last month and a year ago. New York's forecast, at 165,000 tons, is unchanged from the previous forecast but 8% below last year.

California's wine type grape production is expected to total 3.40 million tons, 53% of California's total grape crop. The production forecast for wine type varieties is unchanged from the August forecast but up 3% from a year ago. Overall, bunch counts are down slightly from 2007 but quality is reported to be very good.

California's raisin type grape production is forecast at 2.20 million tons, 34% of California's total grape crop. Production of raisin varieties is unchanged from last month but up 3% from 2007. Although a slightly above average sized raisin crop is expected, the quality is down from a year ago.

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