Washington Apple Harvest Forecast: The New Normal

Farmworkers living in licensed housing facilities in the state found to be three times safer than workers living in local communities.

Weather, smaller sizes, and more selective picking cause industry to lower August forecast by 10%.

The predicted 134 million boxes of fresh apples barely tops 2019, and the state’s new signature cultivar, ‘Cosmic Crisp’, shows up in the outlook.

Apple production in Washington has undergone an amazing transformation in the past century. A former orchardist shares the evolution he has seen over the last 90 years.

A COVID-19-related lawsuit has spurred the state to propose emergency rules that would severely limit the use of bunk beds.

The state’s fresh pack crop is predicted to be 137.3 million boxes, up 18% over 2018.

Kate Evans, who managed the release of the highly anticipated apple variety, replaces Jim McFerson as Director of the tree fruit research facility.

Because of industry stakeholder feedback, a new element of the strategic plan targets short-term demonstration and proof-of-concept research.

State senator from Seattle has proposed law angering growers who are insulted at the implied accusation of mistreatment.

Request stems from three years of work to create a regional approach for grapevine virus certification to harmonize quarantines and regulatory programs for grapevine nursery stock certification in the Pacific Northwest.

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association predicts a 131-million-box fresh crop, down 2% from 2017.

The litigation relates to the long-awaited ‘Cosmic Crisp’ apple, and was filed to protect WSU’s intellectual property rights.

Growers, vintners feted at the association’s annual convention and trade show.

Forecasted harvest predicted to be 131 million boxes, down 1.2% from 2016.

Apples, cherries, and pears are also threatened by Tobacco Ringspot Virus, a pathogen never before seen in Washington state.

Washington and Oregon growers estimate the crop will be down 2% from 2016, 10% off the five-year average.

New name and logo better reflects the evolution of the state’s industry, as more growers have wineries.

As tissue culture plugs increase in popularity, growers are seeking ways to get these planting off to a good start.

Chelan Fresh and Borton Fruit combine; total sales volume increases by nearly half.