California's table type grape production is expected to be 700 thousand tons, up 18 percent from last year. By July 1, picking was near completion in the Coachella Valley. Picking had begun in the southern San Joaquin Valley by late June. Quality was reported above average. Wine type variety grape production for California in 1997 is forecast at a record 2.70 million tons, up 21 percent from 1996.
Maturity is well ahead of normal due to the warm, dry spring.
A good quality crop is expected. The 1997 California Freestone peach crop is forecast at 380 thousand tons, up 20 percent from last year's crop and 4 percent above the June 1997 estimate. The yield is 10.8 tons per acre. Harvest is nearing the halfway point, with mid-season varieties Flavorcrest and Rich Lady making up the bulk of the current harvest. Peach quality to date is good with medium sized fruit.