Grapes occupy an excellent rank among fruit crops in Egypt. Total grape
cultivated area represents about 14% of the total (ruit area. and occupy the second
rank next to citrus. The economic importance of Egyptian grape is due to the open
oosslbllities for its exportation to global markets at a time when these markets are
voio of any competition from European grapes that come from Italy. Spain, and
Greece. The annual production average of Egyplian grapes is estimated to be
around 830.000 Ions for lhe period of 1990·2000, which represents about 1.44% of
the internationat production. However. the annual producton has been increasing to
reach about one million tons in the last couple of years. Furthermore. there has been
a tendency to adopt early maturing varieties that address European demand. Total national consumption of grapes is eslimated to be at 648.000 IOns
during the study period. Despite the fact thai there is grapes production surplus in
Eg},pt, in most of the study years, lhat reached. in some years. about 300.000 tons,
the exported quantities are meager and don't represent production volume. Exported
quantities reached tbeir highest peak in the year 2000 with about 2,611 Ions.
represent only 0.26% of total grape national production for the same year. According to the study findings. the study presents tbe following
recommendations:         1·     Expanding the adoption 01 early maturing grapes varieties that could be
exported during May, June, and July. During thctse three months the prices are
high due to European low production capabilities at that lime of the year.         2·      Expanding the adoption of the Integrated Pest Control System, and biological
control. These two controlling mechanisms are considered to be the best
methods for the production of grapes crop that comply with international
standards and specifications and avoid any pesticide residuals in the crop.         3-      Concern about grading, packing and wrappif'lJ with the aim of facing the
necessary specification for exportation to the Euoropean markets.         4·      Erection of common projects with the European Slide to produce grapes valid for exportation to the European countries. The importance of this recommendation
IS due to thp F'I'opean countries get about 69% of total Egyptian grpes exports.
5· Adopting production philosphy for the foreign markets along with promotlon of
export research and awamess.                 6·             Formation of specific unions concerning the producers and the exports, such as
unions of grapes producers and exports.