Despite a rough growing season for apples in Washington state, the USDA expects the U.S. apple crop to be nearly 3 percent larger than last year.
Lance Honig with the National Ag Statistics Service says a windy and colder Spring significantly hurt Washington’s crop, which accounts for 63 percent for all U.S. production, and they expect their lowest numbers since 2015.
“We’re more than making that up with other states. Michigan having a big rebound from last year. They’re a significant producer as well, a huge increase thereafter some problems last year. Overall, we’re looking at a larger apple crop this season compared to last year. About $10.1 billion is expected to be produced this year. That’s 2.7% more than last season,” said Honig.
Michigan holds more than 11 million apple trees for commercial production covering more than 35,000 acres.
Related:
Tree fruits, like apples, are not immune from shipping challenges
