June 29 2006, 09:45

Grape production will not exceed 70% of past year level in Odesa oblast

According to information provided by table grape producers in Odesa oblast, grape production will not exceed 70% of the past year production level. Dmitriy Chernyak, the Market Information Specialist of Odesa office, Agricultural Marketing Project said that strong winter frosts seriously damaged many vineyards. Grape producers can measure the losses only now, when grape canes are blooming. The situation is quite different depending from varieties in the vineyards and their location. For example, producers say that ARKADIA grape variety has been nearly almost frozen out; VOSTORG variety has not practically suffered. The producers expect the yield of such widespread varieties as MOLDOVA and SARUCHANSKIY to be about 50-60% and 70-80% respectively. Single producers report about the possible yield to be not more than 20% of the past year level. Other grape producers hope for a good harvest as they think the losses after winter frosts were overestimated. In the whole, all producers mention hampered plant vegetation: grape will probably ripen later, and will contain less sugar, so that the quality will decrease as well.

Grape producers hope to have a good price for their produce this year. It will fully or partially compensate losses; the producers think the demand will significantly exceed supply.

AMP information. According to "Production and price forecast for water-melon, melon, table grape, fruits and berries in 2006 in Ukraine", developed by the analysts of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal, table grape harvest will be not more than 50% of the past year level overall in Ukraine. The price for national grape will be steadily high during the whole season; the import will substantially grow. So, the analysts think, the price for Ukrainian grape will be mostly determined by the price for imported table grape.