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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Maria Reuber
Thursday, August 12, 2010

www.nass.usda.gov/ny


	
                           NEW YORK APPLE PRODUCTION DOWN AND GRAPE PRODUCTION UP

Total apple production in New York is forecast at 1.20 billion pounds based on conditions as of August 1, 
according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Field Office.  This is 13 percent below 
the 1.38 billion pounds produced last year.  Across the state, growers were experiencing an early growing season 
with a crop that is ten to fourteen days ahead of average.  Warm temperatures in March and April resulted in a very 
early bloom.  However, the warm temperatures were followed by a late May frost that reduced the size of the crop.

The Lake Ontario fruit region reported a good year, with scattered frost damage.  Growers have had adequate 
moisture and expect apples to size nicely.  In the Hudson Valley fruit region, conditions were very hot and dry.  
Some growers reported the apples will be smaller in size due to the lack of rain.  The crop will be down due to May 
frost damage.  Growers in the Lake Champlain fruit region had minor frost damage, but are expecting a good crop 
overall.

The first U.S. apple production forecast for the 2010 crop year is 9.48 billion pounds, 4 percent below the 2009 
crop. 

Grape production in New York is expected to total 170 thousand tons, according to growers’ reports.  This 
represents a 28 percent increase from a year ago.  Across the state, grape growers were experiencing a much 
better season than last year.  A warm March and April led to an early bloom.  The grape crop is currently about two 
weeks ahead of average.  The Chautauqua-Lake Erie grape belt has had a great growing year.  Hot and dry 
weather has dominated the season.  Some growers were affected by the May frost, which resulted in some 
damage.  Growers in the Finger Lakes region have had favorable conditions.  Quality is expected to be excellent 
and harvest will be early.  Spotty frost was reported in the area.  Long Island growers have also had excellent 
weather.  A hot and dry summer has resulted in expectations for a good quality crop.

U.S. grape production is forecast at 7.09 million tons, down 3 percent from 2009.  California leads the U.S. in grape 
production with 90 percent of the total. Washington and New York are the next largest producing States, with 5 
percent and 2 percent, respectively. California’s all grape forecast, at 6.35 million tons, is down slightly from the 
July forecast.  Washington growers expect to harvest 370,000 tons, down 3 percent from a year ago.

#
8-12-10