Grape Production Drops 8%

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/14 SNS -- United States grape production for 2014 is forecast at 7.94 million tons, down 8% from last year, according to the USDA's latest crop production forecast.

California leads the United States in grape production with 89% of the total. Washington and New York are the next largest producing States, with 6% and 2%, respectively.

California's wine type grape production is forecast at 3.90 million tons, down 8% from 2013 and represents 55% of California's total grape crop. California's raisin type grape production is forecast at 1.95 million tons, down 13% from last year and represents 28% of California's total grape crop. California's table type grape production is forecast at 1.20 million tons, down 2% from the previous year. The 2014 California grape crop was reported to be earlier than last year in crop development. Bunch counts were reported to be down from last year's counts for Wine grapes and Thompsons. Drought was a concern for many grape growers. Hail during bloom negatively affected some vineyards.

In Washington, the crop is trending earlier this year due to hot and dry summer weather. Overall, there was minimal pest pressure this season with only some flare ups during the peak heat spells. In Texas, Georgia and Oregon, growers reported favorable conditions and expect to see increased production.

Grape Production - States and United States: 2013 and Forecasted August 1, 2014
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                    :                     Total production
        State       :-----------------------------------------------------------
                    :            2013             :            2014
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                    :                           tons
                    :
Arkansas ...........:              1,800                         1,500
California .........:          7,717,000                     7,050,000
  Wine .............:          4,245,000                     3,900,000
  Table 1/ .........:          1,226,000                     1,200,000
  Raisin 1/ ........:          2,246,000                     1,950,000
Georgia ............:              4,600                         4,800
Michigan ...........:             94,000                        70,000
Missouri ...........:              6,040                         4,600
New York ...........:            260,000                       190,000
North Carolina .....:              5,200                         5,500
                    :
Ohio ...............:              6,490                         4,300
Oregon .............:             49,000                        53,000
Pennsylvania .......:            111,000                        90,000
Texas ..............:              5,800                        12,400
Virginia ...........:              6,600                         6,400
Washington .........:            390,000                       445,000
  Wine .............:            210,000                       230,000
  Juice ............:            180,000                       215,000
                    :
United States ......:          8,657,530                     7,937,500
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1/ Fresh basis.