Washington Apple Crop Reveals Surprising Numbers
Washington
The Washington apple crop has exciting numbers to report. The new crop estimate is 121.5 million bushel cartons of Washington apples, which is a new record, presenting a 11% increase over the previous record of 109.2 million bushels set in 2010-11.
Rebecca Lyons, International Marketing Director, Washington Apple Commission, tells AndNowUKnow, "This is the year to have a record crop since all of the increase over estimate, and then some, can be absorbed by the lack of apples in the East Coast and Mid West. The industry has been seeing record weekly shipments this season so far and I don't see that changing much."
Washington's Apple crop has presented great quality and a great finish. Record movement is also accompanying the impressive numbers, Dan Kelly, Assistant Manager, Washington Growers Clearing House, tells AndNowUKnow. This is due to a number of reasons, notably the lack in supply throughout Canada and Mexico. Both countries had shorter crops this year. Europe is also down, he states.
Mr. Kelly, tells us, "Currently Washington exports to 60 different countries. Exports are up 40% which is an incredible increase." He continues, "The U.S. was projected to have the lowest apple production since 1986, but Washington has been there to fill in that gap."
Mr. Kelly, reflects on the challenges the Washington apple industry has been facing over the past couple years, "A shortage in labor last season and this season has been one of our biggest challenges. Labor has been down between 10% and 30% and if Washington is going to continue to increase apple production, the labor issue is going to present quite a problem."
