Apple Varieties and Value Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. With a more normal crop forecast this season, Washington apples growers will continue producing the top crop in the state.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association President, Jon DeVaney says apples make up a huge share of our state’s agricultural economy …
DeVANEY … “The most recent statistics from Farm Gate Value, from USDA, still show that the apple crop is about 16% of the entire Washington state Farm Gate Agricultural Production Value. When you say Farm Gate that’s, you know, before you do packing values.”
But still, DeVaney says significant …
DeVANEY … “Those values can change after that, but still a big part of Washington’s agricultural production, the number one crop. And when you take all of our tree fruits together, it’s between 25% and 30% depending on the year of the state’s agricultural production value. So, it’s an important part of our state economy.”
As are, DeVaney says apple exports …
DeVANEY … “Historically it’s been around 30% of the state’s crop that gets exported. It dropped down a little bit when we had some headwinds from retaliatory tariffs and trade barriers over the last eight years.”
Which, DeVaney says has been calming …
DeVANEY … “We’ve been recapturing some of that market share, particularly with the reopening of India and the removal of those retaliatory tariffs on apples. So, we’re at about 28% in the most recent year. We haven’t the final statistics yet, but it’s making a bit of a rebound.”
DeVaney says 16% of Washington apples are expected to be produced organic this year.
