E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Marisa Reuber
Friday, October 9, 2009
800-821-1276

www.nass.usda.gov/ny

	
                            NEW YORK APPLE PRODUCTION INCREASES AND GRAPE 
                              PRODUCTION DECREASES FROM AUGUST FORECAST

Based on conditions as of October 1, apple production in New York is forecast at 1.29 billion pounds, up 2 percent 
from the August forecast and up 3 percent from the 2008 crop of 1.25 billion pounds.  On October 4, apple harvest 
was 44 percent completed, below the average of 60 percent.  

In the Lake Ontario fruit region, the apples have good size and volume.  The sugar levels and color in earlier 
varieties are lacking slightly due to the cool, wet summer.  Later varieties are expected to approach standard 
characteristics.  In Monroe County, hail was a problem, and one tornado was even reported.  All growers are facing 
a decision whether to pick processing apples, as the large volume of apples is creating a poor processing market.
	

In the Hudson Valley fruit region, some growers were affected by hail and rainy conditions this summer.  Those not 
affected by hail are finding a nice crop with good size and color.  Growers in the Lake Champlain fruit region 
reported a heavy set of apples.  Some growers were hit by hail or heavy rains that damaged the blossoms or 
apples.
U.S. apple production for the 2009 crop year is forecast at 10.02 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the August 1 
forecast but up 3 percent from 2008. 

Based on conditions as of October 1, the 2009 New York grape crop is forecast at 135 thousand tons, a 
decrease of 4 percent from the August forecast and down 22 percent from last year’s production of 172 thousand 
tons. On October 4, grape harvest was 41 percent completed compared to the average of 51 percent.  Growers 
continue to look for favorable weather in hopes of increasing sugar content.

In the Lake Erie grape region, a late May frost damaged many primary and secondary buds.  In the vines not 
affected by this frost, harvest is behind schedule due to a late ripening crop.  The large amount of rain this 
summer combined with cool temperatures resulted in high disease pressure, low sugar content, and ultimately, 
low yields.

The Finger Lakes grape region is also in need of sun.  Ripening is about 2 weeks behind normal.  Rain and cool 
weather resulted in a smaller, lighter crop, but good quality grapes.  Spotty frost and hail were also reported.

Long Island vineyards also experienced a very wet summer with some disease pressure.  Some hail was also 
reported.  More sun is needed, since ripening is behind normal.

U.S. grape production is forecast at 7.02 million tons, virtually unchanged from the August 1 forecast but down 4 
percent from 2008.


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10-9-09