08/11/06 Outlook on Apples

An Outlook on Apples. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. If apples are a part of your business then the U.S. Apple Association's 2006 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, promises to be the premiere meeting of the apple industry. Shannon Schaffer is the Manager of Communications for US Apple. SCHAFFER: 2006 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference is going to be an exciting opportunity for the industry to get together, network with their peers, get a first look at what the new apple crop is going to look like in the U.S. and across the globe. We're going to have sessions that are going to talk about marketing and different demographics and ways to reach these demographics. We're also going to look at the possibility of the apple crop situation in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the big one, China. We're going to take a look at China in a couple of different ways and what their production means for the U.S. and producers around the world. This year's conference is being held Aug. 17-18 at the Chicago Four Seasons Hotel. Schaffer says there is plenty to keep you busy. SCHAFFER: The 2006 Outlook Conference has been a staple for US Apple for many years. It's something the industry has come to look forward to and to expect. We're a must attend on most folks calendars. The top three awards in the apple industry, the American Fruit Grower magazine`s Apple Grower of the Year, The Packer/The Grower publications` Apple Person of the Year, and National Apple Month`s Apple Merchandiser of the Year, will be presented at the conference. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.