Project Description
Outlook
Featured stories about the 2025 outlook for tree fruit producers — and more — in this issue.
Click here to view a PDF version of this issue.
Cosmic Crisp marks critical mass
WA 38 volume reaches year-round market levels.
US fruit exporters target Mexico
America’s southern neighbor makes an attractive fruit export market.
Ground control for cider apple harvest
Three-year, USDA-funded project aims to show hard-cider apples can be safely picked off the ground.
Breaking down “break even” for apple growers
New cost-of-production budgets from WSU show challenges apple growers face for economic stability.
Another downer for Washington juice grape growers
Growers grapple with Washington juice-grape cash price that continues to decline.
Price pivots for apple producers
Growers seeking greater profits in organic and direct-retail markets.
Widespread wage increases for US growers
Northwest growers face a 2.9 percent rise, many other regions see steeper increases.
Growers grappling with laws, labor and lawsuits
New laws push farm labor union efforts in New York and California.
Cherry identification down to the DNA details
Genetic experts say preliminary DNA screening can prevent intellectual property disputes.
Good Stuff, January 1, 2025
A selection of the latest products and services for tree fruit and grape growers.
The SKU view for the apple category
The apple industry navigates a new era as retailers seek to cull the apple category to the top-performing varieties.
Claire Rasch, a young grower from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Claire is a fifth-generation farmer planning to attend Washington State University for an agribusiness degree. She has one sister, Eva, and is the daughter of Sarah and John Rasch.
New economic assistance fund created for specialty crop producers
On Dec. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture opened a new $2 billion economic assistance program for specialty crop producers..
Washington State University names WA 64 apple Sunflare
Washington State University has given its newest apple, WA 64, the official trade name Sunflare...
More federal judges block provisions of H-2A rule
Two more federal judges have blocked parts of the new H-2A regulations intended to grant workers more protection from potential abuses and give them rights to conduct union-like activities...
North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days Jan. 21–23 and Feb. 6
Washington State University Tree Fruit Extension announced in a news release its annual Tree Fruit Day programs in North Central Washington...
Washington State Grape Society honors industry leaders at annual meeting
Among the presentations on topics such as technology, pest control and industry economics, the Washington State Grape Society bestowed industry awards on Nov. 21 at its annual meeting in Grandview...