By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – New York's fruit growers are in for a disappointing harvest. The State Department of Agriculture says early predicters show this will be one of the worst years on record for apple and grape crops.
The dry, hot summer has been great for vacationers and beach goers. But New York's fruit producers will be paying for it this fall. And so may consumers.
According to state agriculture officials, a shortage of apples and grapes will likely drive prices up and quality down. Grape production is expected to be about ten percent below the average yield. And the pickings will be even slimmer for apple crops.
Indicators say that the apple harvest will be 30 percent below the average -- the worst crop in more than 30 years. Jessica Chittenden, a spokesperson for the New Yrok State Department of Agriculture, says the great weather is to blame.
"The extremely warm temperatures we experienced early in the spring forced the buds to blossom early. That was followed by devastating frost and freezing temperatures," Chittenden explained. "That destroyed the blossoms. What we're seeing now is a forecast for much lower yields during harvest season."
And grape growers may experience even more lasting effects of the damage. The secondary grape blossoms that form this year -- but determine next year's yield -- have also been harmed.