Apple production in New York is forecast at 1.07 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the August forecast and 8 percent above the 2003 crop of 990 million pounds. All three of New York’s primary apple growing regions- Hudson Valley, Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario-reported good bloom, pollination and sizing of fruit. The majority of New York’s increase in apple production is coming from the Central and Western growing regions. Many growers were able to begin harvest a week earlier than last year. Steady rains helped increase fruit size.

Fruit set was heavy with some reports of damage from hail storms during the latter part of August. Some areas were affected by remnants of Hurricane Ivan. Despite changing events in weather, growers in all regions are very enthused and optimistic about the apple crop and are expecting another good crop year. U.S. apple production for the 2004 crop year is forecast at 9.46 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the August 1 forecast and 10 percent above 2003.

The 2004 New York all grape crop is forecast at 145 thousand tons, down 3 percent from the August forecast and down 27 percent from last year’s production of 198 thousand tons. The grape crop is expected to be about average this year. Many growers are hoping for sunny weather to help increase sugar levels in fruit. The rainy weather this summer adversely affected fruit yields and

sugar content. Overall, New York growers are very optimistic that with warm weather and sunshine, the fruit that remains in the vineyards will have an opportunity to ripen. U.S. grape production is forecast at 6.07 million tons, down 5 percent from the August 1 forecast and 8 percent below 2003.