Apple Estimate for 2023 Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. The forecast for this year’s Washington fresh apple crop is out and after a couple of low production years, 2023 numbers are expected to be up nearly 29%.
And, Washington State Tree Fruit Association President, Jon
DeVaney says harvest looks to be on schedule …
DeVANEY … “Individual locations might be a little earlier or later depending on their microclimates, but the start was at the usual time, you know, right around the beginning of August and we’re looking at a pretty normal range of harvest dates.”
And normal, DeVaney says is a good thing …
DeVANEY … “After the last two years, which were exceptionally difficult, I think growers are really looking forward to a year that’s more normal in size and weather conditions. And, what they’re seeing for size development, color development, and other fruit quality factors, it’s looking really encouraging towards having a great quality crop this year.”
But keep in mind, DeVaney says it’s still early …
DeVANEY … “It’s looking really good. We always remind everyone that there’s still a couple of months of harvest ahead of us. So, bad things can still happen and this is a forecast. It’s not in the books yet, but it’s looking really good.”
DeVaney says the easing of production costs and inflationary prices have helped …
DeVANEY … “We had some uncertainty from the rapidly fluctuating gas prices and uncertainty around West Coast ports for a while, so having that situation stabilize a little bit is encouraging.”
Washington apples represented 21% of the state’s total agricultural value in 2021.
