The California raisin type grape variety forecast is 2.30 million tons, down 20 percent from last year. Based on the objective measurement survey, bunches per vine totaled 35.0 compared to 40.3 recorded in 1997. Bunch length, width, and thickness are down. The acreage harvested will be 270 thousand, equal to last year. Thompson Seedless variety grapes are currently being picked for fresh use in the San Joaquin Valley.
Maturity is well behind normal.
Growers are concerned about mildew and bunch rot. Picking for raisin and wine use may not begin until late August or early September. The Raisin Administrative Committee provided funding for the 1998 Raisin OM Survey. The collection of objective measurement data on the California grape crop began in 1956. Grape bunches were counted, measured and weighed in sample vineyards of raisin, table and wine type varieties.