[WENATCHEE, WASHINGTON, AUG. 7] – Washington apple growers have reported the first crop estimate for the 2019-20 season. The crop forecast is to be 137 million 40 lb. boxes., an increase of 17.6% from the 2017-18 season and aligning with the volume of the previous two years’ harvests.
“The favorable spring weather and mild summer temperatures in the Yakima, Wenatchee, and Okanogan regions set up Washington for a great harvest. We are expecting high quality and color that delivers the excellent product consumers are looking for,” said Rebecca Lyons, International Marketing Director of the Washington Apple Commission.
Varieties grown in Washington have grown more diverse, providing consumers a range of options with over 56 varieties available. The organic category continues its upward trend and is indicated to represent 13% of the total crop.
The first crop forecast kicks off the excitement for the coming harvest and provides the industry an outlook on the potential of the new crop. Harvest will begin shortly and carry through November.
“It’s a transitional period of wrapping up the last few weeks of the 2018-19 season and moving forward into the 2019-20 season. The Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s crop estimate report is a signal of the upcoming harvest and builds anticipation to get started,” says Toni Lynn Adams, Communications Outreach Coordinator of the Washington Apple Commission.
The Washington Apple Commission is prepping to launch new marketing efforts worldwide to promote the state’s leading agriculture commodity. Approximately one-third of Washington’s fresh apple crop is exported each year and accounts for 95% of all U.S. apple exports. The Washington Apple Commission is the promotional organization dedicated to increasing consumer demand for Washington apples in international markets.