ALBANY (AP) -- Apple production is down in New York this year, but grape production is up.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts a New York apple crop of 1.2 billion pounds, which is 13 percent down from last year. But this year's crop is coming in 10 to 14 days earlier than normal thanks to the hot weather and sunshine, and the apples are expected to be of good quality.
Nationwide, the apple crop is forecast at 9.5 billion pounds, 4 percent below the 2009 crop.
Grape production in New York is expected to total 170,000 tons, a 28 percent increase from last year. The hot, dry summer has raised expectations for a high quality crop and an early harvest.
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