Zakah on grapes

Q: I own a farm in Al-Nakhil district in the suburbs of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. The farm is rich in grape crops Al-Hamdullilah (Praise be to Allah), but we find some difficulty in distributing them throughout the cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia like Jeddah, Riyadh and other areas. My question is: How much Zakah (Obligatory charity) should be paid on the crops knowing that some farmers hire laborers, vehicles and drivers to collect and distribute them? Should the Zakah be paid after subtracting their wages, or should it be paid on the crop? Please keep in mind that the government sends employees who estimate the grape crops every year, but most of the farmers do not count on them, for sometimes they over or under estimate. Would the farmer be discharged [in front of Allah] on paying the estimated value? Farmers have asked some people of knowledge about this, and they replied that there is no Zakah on grapes for they belong to the category of crops that are not saved [they are consumed] and so are to be treated like other fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes and watermelons. Please advise us on the answer with details. May Allah render you supportive to knowledge and those who seek it.

A: First, it is obligatory to pay half of one tenth of the value of crops on attaining the Nisab (the minimum amount on which Zakah is due), which is Five Wasqs whereas one Wasq equals sixty Sa`s (one Sa` equals = 2.172 kg) like the Sa` of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Second, Zakah is to be paid on the value of the crops in the country where they are cultivated before paying the wages of laborers who are employed to grow and market them. Third, the Fatwa (Legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim Scholar) that was issued declaring that there is no Zakah on grape crops is not a (Part No. 9; Page No. 231) valid Fatwa.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.