FRUIT
NEW YORK APPLE PRODUCTION DOWN 35 PERCENT Apple production in New York is forecast at 650 million pounds, down 10 percent from the August forecast and 35 percent below the 2001 crop of 1.00 billion pounds. Crop potential was lower this season due to a series of frost events during late April following an unusually warm spring. Hot, dry conditions during the summer months further reduced yields. As producers began harvest of some earlier varieties, they realized the overall effect of these weather conditions. Apple blocks have been picking out shorter than expected and overall fruit size has been smaller than normal. Recent rains, courtesy of Hurricane Isadore, could help sizing on later varieties. New York ranks second nationally in apple production behind Washington. U.S. apple production for the 2002 crop year is forecast at 8.91 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the August 1 forecast and 7 percent below 2001. TOTAL APPLE PRODUCTION: Selected States and United States
NEW YORK GRAPE PRODUCTION DOWN 3 PERCENT The 2002 New York all grape crop is forecast at 145 thousand tons, up 7 percent from the August forecast but 3 percent below last year's production of 149 thousand tons. Good growing conditions during August and September improved crop expectations for the spring freeze damaged crop. Beneficial rainfall throughout September helped increase berry size. Concord harvest began in late September, and by October 1 was at its peak with good Brix levels reported. On Long Island, the Chardonnay harvest is underway, and Merlot harvest is set to begin in mid-October. U.S. grape production is forecast at 7.27 million tons, up 2 percent from the August 1 forecast and 11 percent above 2001. TOTAL GRAPE PRODUCTION: Selected States and United States
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