USDA: world apple output lower, grapes steady

World apple production will ease 4% in 2020-21 while global grape output will be nearly steady, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA said combined world apple production for 2020-21 is forecast at 76.1 million metric tons, down 4% from 79.4 million metric tons a year ago. The USDA said most of the decline is tied to a severe spring frost in China’s northwest provinces.

Total global apple exports are expected to remain nearly unchanged at 5.8 million tons, helped by higher exports from Poland, according to the USDA.

China’s production of 40.5 million metric tons was hurt by severe frost in northern provinces that affected fruit set during flowering.

The European Union’s apple production is forecast at 12.2 million metric tons, near historical averages. U.S. apple production is forecast to of 4.7 million metric tons. Output is forecast lower than last year because of a wind storm that hurt orchards in Washington and a severe freeze in parts of Michigan, according to the agency.

Chile’s apple production is forecast to rise 46,000 metric tons to 1.2 million metric tons, according to the USDA, as abundant winter rainfall is expected to improve yields and planted area holds steady after several years of decline. 

Mexico’s apple production is projected to drop 80,000 tons to 680,000 metric tons because of adverse weather which affected fruit development in the top‐growing state of Chihuahua. 

New Zealand apple production in 2021 is forecast nearly flat by the USDA at 583,000 tons due to COVID‐19‐related uncertainties over labor availability.

“While another record crop is possible due to expanded growing area and good growing conditions, insufficient labor could affect pruning, thinning, and harvest,” the report said. 

New bearing acreage in South Africa could boost output there to a record 960,00 metric tons, according to the USDA.

The USDA said world production of grapes for 2020-21 is expected nearly unchanged at 25.7 million metric tons as gains in China are larger than weather-induced losses in the European Union. 

China grape production is forecast to see a slight gain of 400,000 metric tons to 11 million metric tons, the USDA said, reflecting gains in crop management techniques.

The European Union production is projected to fall 170,000 tons to 1.4 million metric tons, according to the USDA. Italy suffered severe frosts during flowering followed by damaging rain and hail in the fall.
Meanwhile, U.S. production in 2020 was pegged up over 100,000 tons compared with a year ago, to 1 million tons.

Peru’s grape production is expected to see another year of gains, rising 12,000 metric tons to 665,000 metric tons thanks to favorable growing conditions and as new plantings continue to come into production.

Chilean grape production is forecast unchanged at 785,000 metric tons, with improved water supplies offsetting losses in planted area, according to the USDA.