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FRUIT

Released October 13, 2005                                             Seasonal                                                    No. 975-5-05

                                     NEW YORK APPLE PRODUCTION DECREASES

Based on conditions as of October 1, apple production in New York is forecast at 1.06 billion pounds, down 17 percent from the August forecast and 8 percent below the 2004 crop of 1.28 billion pounds. Across the state overall, the production harvested has decreased from the August 1^st estimate, due mainly to the lack of rain and then hot conditions.  The statewide spring frost which occurred May 13^th, appeared to cause damage to some apple varieties.  In most apple regions, there is a decrease in quantity and apple sizes are small.

In the Lake Ontario fruit region, growers reported quality of the apples to be around average to slightly below average.  Quantity was also reported to be down.  Apple sizes are small, due to winter injury, lack of rain, and hot conditions.  Some reports of high winds, poor pollination, and bad coloring made it a tough year for apple production and were factors in lower yields.  Currently more rain is needed.

In the Hudson Valley fruit region, some growers reported evident damage from the frost in May and there were also increased reports of heavy winds and some hail damage.   Fruit size is down due to the hot conditions and lack of rain.  Many apples are on the ground due to the high winds.

Growers in the Lake Champlain fruit region reported apples to be growing well, but small in size.  Production will be low due to below average pollination and heavy wind damage.

U.S. apple production for the 2005 crop year is forecast at 9.38 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the August 1 forecast and 10 percent below 2004.   

TOTAL APPLE PRODUCTION:  Selected States and United States

NEW YORK GRAPE PRODUCTION DECREASES

Based on conditions as of October 1, the 2005 New York all grape crop is forecast at 158 thousand tons, down 1 percent  from the August forecast but up 11 percent from last year=s production of 142 thousand  tons.  Overall, while berry sizes are average to small, the quality and sweetness of the grapes remain high.

Many growers in the Lake Erie region reported an average crop.  Grape harvest has gone fairly smooth so far with yields being slightly higher than growers first expected.  The warm temperatures have kept vines actively photosynthesizing and the sugar Brix continues to accumulate faster than normal.  Average berry weights continued to increase.

Growers in the Finger Lakes region also reported a dry season, but then received some rainfall which aided in maintaining increased sugar Brix in the grapes and maturing ahead of schedule.  However, because of the dry conditions earlier in the season, some vines still appeared heat stressed in vineyards.  The lack of enough rain also continued to keep the size of the grapes small, therefore, decreased tonnage for some growers.  Long Island grape production has reported a dry, but average season, so far.

U.S. grape production is forecast at 7.07 million tons, up 4 percent from the August 1 forecast and 13 percent above 2004.

                      TOTAL GRAPE PRODUCTION:  Selected States and United States