Modest Gain in Final Apple Forecast

WASHINGTON - Oct 10/08 - SNS -- The final 2008 U.S. apple production forecast is set at 9.24 billion pounds, up slightly from August and up 1% from 2007, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Increases in production from August 2008 were shown in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, while production decreased in Michigan. Production forecasts in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington were unchanged from the August forecast. All other State forecasts were carried forward from August.

Production in the Western States (AZ, CA, CO, ID, OR, UT, and WA) is forecast at 5.99 billion pounds, unchanged from August and up 4% from 2007. Washington production, which makes up 58% of the U.S. total, is forecast at 5.40 billion pounds, unchanged from the previous forecast and up 4% from 2007. While severe spring frosts delayed crop development by two weeks, excellent growing season weather has increased hopes for a solid crop. The frosts may still affect the late-maturing varieties. Apple size is smaller than last year but last year's apples were reported as larger than normal. Fruit quality is good and labor supply has not negatively affected the harvest.

Production in the Eastern States (CT, GA, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA, and WV) is forecast at 2.38 billion pounds, up 4% from August but down slightly from 2007. The apple forecast in New York, at 1.20 billion pounds, is 4% higher than the August forecast but 8% lower than the 2007 estimate. Growers increased their expectations for this year's crop quantity. However, summer hail damage will divert much of the crop to processing. Pennsylvania's forecast, at 440 million pounds, is 10% higher than August but 6% lower than 2007.