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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Marisa Reuber
Friday, October 8, 2010

www.nass.usda.gov/ny


               NEW YORK APPLE AND GRAPE PRODUCTION UNCHANGED 

Based on conditions as of October 1, apple production in New York is forecast at 
1.20 billion pounds, according to King Whetstone, Director of the USDA’s National 
Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Field Office. This is unchanged from 
the August 1 forecast, and 13 percent below the 1.38 billion pounds produced last 
year. On October 4, apple harvest was 74 percent completed, ahead of the average 
of 55 percent. Across the state, warm temperatures have led to an early harvest. 
The crop is approximately 2 weeks ahead of normal. 

In the Lake Ontario fruit region, growers reported a good year. The crop was 
described as one of good quality and size. Some growers reported frost in the 
spring that reduced their crops. A September 13th hail storm also affected the 
late season varieties for some growers. In the Hudson Valley, conditions during 
the growing season were hot and dry. Warm weather in the spring brought out buds 
early, but resulted in some later frost damage in the region. A hail storm on 
September 13th also affected the area. The Lake Champlain region had a good crop 
that was ahead of normal. 

U.S. apple production for the 2010 crop year is forecast at 9.41 billion pounds, 
down 1 percent from the August 1 forecast and 5 percent below 2009. Based on 
conditions as of October 1, the 2010 New York grape crop is forecast at 170 
thousand tons, unchanged from the August forecast and up 28 percent from last 
year’s production of 133 thousand tons. On October 4, grape harvest was 52 
percent completed, compared to the average of 51 percent. Across the state, 
grape growers experienced a much better growing season than last year. 

In the Lake Erie grape region, growers experienced early and excellent ripening 
conditions and have had no problems reaching acceptable sugar solids. Some 
described it as one of the best years ever. A few growers reported decreased 
yields due to spring frost. Growers in the Finger Lakes grape region reported 
an excellent year with a clean and good quality crop. Harvesting was ahead of 
schedule, with some growers already done. Long Island vineyards reported an 
excellent year despite hot and dry conditions. Grapes were clean and quality 
was high. 

U.S. grape production is forecast at 6.88 million tons, down 3 percent from 
the August 1 forecast and 6 percent below 2009. 

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10-08-10