Give Us Your Take on Fruit Industry Issues

What’s more important to fruit growers, a piece of fruit that’s easier to sell or easier to grow?

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This is a debate that has raged for ages, with the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple fanning the flames in recent years. Prized for commanding top prices but notoriously fickle to grow, the ‘Honeycrisp’ will likely be a topic of debate for years to come, though its success with consumers would seem to be paramount.

In last year’s State of the Industry Survey, most of you didn’t agree, at least when it came to genetically modified apples. We asked if you would plant a GMO crop if one was available to you. Nearly 46% said “No,” not so surprising given the fact that many industry organizations have come down opposed, fearing consumer backlash.

But of those who said “Yes,” growers said they were almost three times as likely to grow a GMO crop if it offered production advantages for them, than if it offered consumer benefits to consumers. With the Arctic line of genetically modified apples hitting the U.S. store shelves for the first time this year, it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

In any case, that was just one of the many fascinating nuggets of information we gathered last year for the January 2017 State of the Industry survey. We’re doing it again this year, and hope you will participate.

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Please take a few minutes and answer our State of the Industry survey. Again, your survey answers will provide the basis of third annual State of the Industry report for the January issue of American Fruit Grower® and Western Fruit Grower® magazines.

Last year, more than 600 of you responded, and we’re looking forward to comparing those answers with those you provide this year. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and it’s not just for growers. Researchers, suppliers, and others associated with the fruit industry have questions specifically designed for them.

So go ahead, tell us what you really think. Please submit your thoughts and comments as soon as you get the chance.

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