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Abstract
Excerpts: Tree fruits are a group of specialty crops that has wide-ranging production totals in the Midwestern U.S. Similarly, the Midwest is an important region for viticulture (grape production). Tree fruit and grape reported production statistics for Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) from the 2022 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Statistics Service Census of Agriculture (Quick Stats) indicate: -- 14,701 farms produced at least 1 type of tree fruit (see Figure 1a for farm distribution by county). Total farms with grape production were 3,626 (Figure 1b). -- Over 130,000 acres of farmland are in tree fruit or grape production. -- Total sales for fruits and tree nuts (excl. berries) were over $641 million. Tree fruits and grapes, like all crops, are susceptible to challenges caused by a changing climate. Currently observed changes and projected future changes will affect tree fruit and grape production in unique ways and producers may need to consider different practices to mitigate climate-related problems. This bulletin will discuss climate trends, expected impacts for tree fruit and grape production, and methods to mitigate these challenges.