Modest Hike in Final Apple Numbers

WASHINGTON - Oct 28/08 - SNS -- The final 2008 U.S. apple production forecast is set at 9.24 billion pounds, up slightly from August and up 1% from 2007, according to the USDA's revised crop production and seeded area estimates.

Increases in production from August 2008 were shown in New York and Pennsylvania, while production decreased in Michigan and West Virginia. Production forecasts in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington were unchanged from the August forecast. All other State forecasts were carried forward from August.

Production in the Western States (AZ, CA, CO, ID, OR, UT, and WA) is forecast at 5.99 billion pounds, unchanged from August and up 4% from 2007. Washington production, which makes up 58% of the U.S. total, is forecast at 5.40 billion pounds, unchanged from the previous forecast and up 4% from 2007.

While severe spring frosts delayed crop development by two weeks, excellent growing season weather has increased hopes for a solid crop. The frosts may still affect the late-maturing varieties. Apple size is smaller than last year but last year's apples were reported as larger than normal. Fruit quality is good and labor supply has not negatively affected the harvest.

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