APPLE PRICE AND PRODUCTION FORECASTS FOR MAINE AND THE UNITED STATES

An econometric model of U.S. and Maine apple production and prices was estimated with ordinary least squares multiple regression. A Gauss-Seidel solution technique was used to examine the equation system goodness of fit and to forecast endogenous variable values. Results indicate that supply expansion in the U.S. and Maine will continue, but Maine's slower rate of increase will erode its market share. Apple prices for the U.S. and Maine are predicted to decline in real terms by the year 2000 if inflation rates exceed 3 percent annually during the period 1982 to 2000.