SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, Calif. (RFD News) — California table grape growers are expecting an early start to harvest this year and are optimistic about the season ahead.
The harvest is expected to begin earlier than normal, with vineyards running about two weeks ahead of last year, thanks to favorable weather conditions.
Growers in the San Joaquin Valley expect production to ramp up later this month and are projecting a crop of roughly 96 million boxes. Early reports indicate strong fruit size and quality.
Growers say steady water supplies have supported crop development, while demand is expected to increase as retailers transition from imported grapes to domestic supplies.
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