We have about a month left in apple harvest, and northwest growers say this year’s crop is looking strong, though it faces some challenges. One U.S. industry leader says recent heat waves have trimmed earlier crop size estimates.
“It’ll be a larger crop, on the large end of what we’ve had, but not a record, is what we’re expecting,” said Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Apple Growers. “That’s a decent place to be, especially from a consumer perspective. You’re going to have a lot of fantastic Washington apples and pears available.”
DeVaney warns that a bumper crop does not always mean big profits.
“The growers, of course, are concerned that they’re still seeing a lot of rapid cost inflation<’ DeVaney said. “And when you have a bigger crop, the tendency is not to have the prices be as strong. And so there is some concern that we’re going to have growers be under continued financial pressure again this year after several bad years in succession.”
Despite the financial strain, shoppers will find plenty of high-quality fruit this fall from both domestic and international sources.
French Apple Growers See Slight Production Dip
French apple growers are seeing a slight dip in production this year. Table apple output is estimated at more than one and a half million tons. That is 4 percent below last year, but still above the five-year average.
Regional harvests vary, with some areas down sharply due to heat and pests. Early-season prices are also lower than last year, with September markets showing reduced demand and a plentiful supply.
Canada Makes Landmark Buy on Ukrainian Apples
For the first time ever, Ukrainian apples are expected to be shipped to Canada this season. Exporters say frosts earlier in the year hit some growing regions hard, cutting yields by as much as half, while others saw near-normal crops.
Despite weather challenges and harvest delays, apple quality remains strong. Global demand is high, and Ukrainian apples are expanding into several new markets.
