Apple 2022 Forecast Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. This year’s Washington apple production is expected to be down 11.1% compared to last year, thanks to cold temps during bloom that limited pollination.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association president, Jon DeVaney says there’s also a bit of shift in varietal numbers …
DeVANEY … “This is also a crop that is changing in what it looks like. We continue to see the growth of some of these newer varieties of fruit, the Cosmic Crisp, more Honeycrisp, and some of these other newer varieties of fruit of an increasing share of our apple crop this year.”
Like, DeVaney says one popular, new variety …
DeVANEY … “Last year the Cosmic Crisp was about 3.2% of the overall apple crop in our state and this year we’re projecting it to be 4.6%. So, a good strong growth trend on that variety, which if you haven’t tried yet, you should. It’s a very tasty apple as, of course, they all are.”
And, DeVaney says we grow over 90% of the nation’s organic apples …
DeVANEY … “So, last year the organic crop was about 12% of the overall apple harvest, and this year we’re projecting it to be about 13%.”
DeVaney says the numbers are down this year, but no crisis …
DeVANEY … “There’s always some variability every year. Nature does not give us a steady, even percentage change like manufacturing might allow you to do. There’s always going to be variability based on weather and we’re used to that in agriculture.”
DeVaney says, given the long, cold spring, we’re pleased with the projections.
