The table grape crop is moving ahead without significant pest or disease concerns.

“We are still harvesting in the Coachella Valley, where quality looks good,” says Barry Bedwell, president of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League, Fresno. “Volume is close to estimates, which call for a good average crop.”

The price of fuel remains a significant issue in production and marketing.

“I believe it has become a major factor, with diesel prices over $5 a gallon in some places,” Bedwell says. “The reality is that it can only have a negative impact on FOB as well as net prices. Having said that, I still believe the table grape community expects an orderly volume flow throughout the season.”