Forecast expects increase in organic apples and new varietals including Cosmic Crisp
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) has released its forecast for the 2024 Washington State fresh apple season, estimating a crop of 124m standard (40lb) boxes of apples.
This forecast represents a return to historic norms following two unusual years. The 2020 Washington apple crop was 122.5m boxes, followed by 122.9m in 2021. Cool and wet weather in 2022 caused a smaller crop of 103.9m, and then a much larger “rebound” crop in 2023 of 136.1m boxes. According to WSTFA, moderate weather this year has helped growers deliver a robust crop with high quality across all varietals. The forecast also revealed a continuing trend of higher overall numbers of organic apples and new varietals including Cosmic Crisp.
“There is a lot of excitement as we are seeing a more normal harvest and excellent fruit quality this year,” said Jon DeVaney, WSTFA president. “A moderate spring and a warm early summer created stable growing conditions, so our domestic and foreign customers can expect the flavour, size, colour, and overall high quality that make Washington apples famous. The harvest is underway now, and I congratulate our growers for producing another great crop.”
The WSTFA is expecting growth in the five most popular varietals. Gala is forecast to make up 19 per cent of production, followed by Granny Smith at 14.5 per cent, Red Delicious at 13 per cent, Honeycrisp at 12 per cent, and Fuji at 10.5 per cent.
Cosmic Crisp, developed as WA-38 by Washington State University specifically for eastern Washington’s growing conditions, is anticipated to account for 9 per cent of this year’s crop, which represents significant growth in popularity for the new varietal which was introduced in 2019. It was only 1 per cent of the harvest in 2020 and 6 per cent of the crop in 2023. Cripps Pink is forecast to be nearly 7 per cent of the crop, with Envy and Golden Delicious both at approximately 3.5 per cent, and Ambrosia at 2 per cent. All other varieties represent about 6 per cent.Organic apples are expected to represent nearly 16 per cent of this year’s crop, up from 11 per cent of the crop five years ago. According to WSTFA, Washington State generates more than 90 per of the nation’s organic apple production.
“Our growers work hard to deliver the apples that consumers want and enjoy, and for many consumers that includes organics,” said DeVaney.
Washington apples are sold around the world and are a strong mover in domestic grocery. They are also vital to the state’s economy and are Washington’s leading agricultural commodity. Apples represented 16 per cent (US$2bn) of the state’s total farm-gate agricultural value in 2022. Nearly 30 per cent per cent of the harvest is exported.
“Apples are synonymous with Washington State, and we are known for producing the world’s finest apples,” said Derek Sandison, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. “Thanks to more favourable growing conditions this past year, we expect the projected harvest to be not only high in quantity but also quality. We are grateful to our growers for delivering a crop that is good for our state economy, our workforce, and consumers all around the world.”
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