Grape cultivation in California

The 2020 table grape harvest was worth $2.12 billion^[1] while wine grapes brought in $1.7 billion, down 15.3% year-on-year. By weight this was 17% lower versus 2018.^[2] The next year, 2021^[3] saw a much better yield. From 829,000 acres (335,000 ha) viniculturists got 6.94 short tons per acre (15.6 t/ha) for a total harvest of 5,755,000 short tons (5,221,000 t).^[3] At an average of $909 per short ton ($1,002/t) they were paid $5,229,902,000 for the season.^[3] Of that, 4,844,600 short tons (4,394,900 t) were for destined for processing industries (including wine, see § Wine below) and at $835 per short ton ($920/t) that was worth $4,046,382,000.^[3] The fresh (table grape) harvest was 910,400 short tons (825,900 t) and selling at a price of $1,300 per short ton ($1,433/t), this sector was worth $1,183,520,000 for the season.^[3]

The table grape and wine grape sectors are represented by the Table Grape Commission^[4] and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.^[5]

Table production is most concentrated in three counties and somewhat in another two.^[6] Dollar value annually is $1,240 million in Kern, $682 in Tulare, $416 in Fresno, and in the top ten crops in Riverside and Madera.^[6] California's own consumption of table production grew from 1980 to 2001 from 1.8 to 3.5 kilograms (4.0 to 7.7 lb) per capita per year.^[7] Consumption here and throughout the country is so high that the country remains a net importer despite this state's production, which reached 71,000 short tons (64,000 t) in the 2015 table harvest.^[7]

During dormancy, UC IPM recommends pruning.^[8] UC IPM publishes recommendations for this and other tasks during dormancy.^[8] Although thinning is often proven to improve wine qualities in many areas, some reviewers note a lack of benefit in thinning table grapes in this state's vineyards.^[9]

Deyett et al., 2020 finds Proteobacteria are the most common components of the microbiomes of this crop in this state's soils.^[10]

This crop has also played a large part in farm labor relations in the state.^[11]: 371 The Delano grape strike began among table grape workers before spreading to other industries.^[11]: 371 See § Labor.