44 University of New Hampshire [Sta. Bull. 321 



rimack cuunties produced almost 85 per cent of the total grape crop 

 for the state. 



See appendix (Table IV) for comparative data on grapes over the 

 last four census periods. 



Although New Hampshire produced only about two and one-half 

 per cent of the grapes produced in New England in 1929, the produc- 

 tion per vine was more than twice that of New England and higher 

 than for the United States according to the census report. The val- 

 ue per pound was also 50 per cent above that for New England and 

 six times as great as that for the United States. H these figures 

 are correct it appears that New Hampshire growers can profit in 

 growing grapes for the local market. It would be necessary, how- 

 ever, to grow early varieties in order tt) assure maturity and obtain 

 a satisfactory average '"clurn over a ])erio(l of years. 



Earlier grape varieties needed 



Concord, Niagara, and W Urden are among the common varieties of 

 grapes grown in New Hampshire. In some seasons, fine gra])es of 

 these varieties have been produced, especially in the southern part 

 of the state and in frost-free locations. 



But often the grapes coming on the market from local sources are 

 not well matured. The planting of early varieties should result in 

 grapes of better maturity and in fewer losses from early fall freezes. 

 Such varieties as the blue Van Buren and Fredonia, and the green 

 Ontario and Portland are examples of early maturing kinds. 



A grower near Franklin. N. H., recently reported several years of 

 successful production of the Fredonia and Portland varieties. He 

 stated that both were liked by customers and that Fredonia was 

 outstanding in vigor and productiveness and more satsfactory than 

 Concord. These grapes matured about two weeks earlier in his lo- 

 cation. 



More information is needed, however, on the i)erformance of new 

 varieties and growers who contemjilate making plantings should 

 keep in touch with the Agricultural Experiment Station for latest 

 information concerning them. 



Since few local grajjcs arc sold in our markets, very little ])ricc 

 information is available. The f|uality of the native grapes varies 

 considerably. 



The United .States Deparlnient of .\griculture reports show farm 

 prices of grapes ranging from three cents to five and one-half cents 

 per p(^und over the past nine years. Prices of $1 to $1.50 per liushel 

 for wild grapes, and the poorer grade cultivated grapes, and $1.50 

 to $2 for the lictter cultivated grapes arc representative of prices 

 over the past several years. 



Smaller lots retailed and sold at roadside stands have rang-ed from 

 3 cents to 5 cents per pound durmg the last few years. 



Estimates of grape production and farm prices in New Hampshire 

 as given bv the United States Department of Agriculture are shown 

 in Table XTX. 



