Know your costs to grow
Washington State University produces how-to video for ag enterprise budgets.
Peach grower finding the sweet spot for profitable production
California canning peach grower tries some fresh sales in a search for the right scale.
Field-fresh peaches fill specialty market demand
Wapato, Washington, farm delicately hand-packs fruit right in the orchard.
Low labor supply keeps Smallwood stone fruit crop small
Labor crunch limits scale of Washington stone fruit grower.
Minnesota apple delivers a mouthwatering munch
New University of Minnesota apple release, Kudos, could be a perfect fit for farm markets and U-picks.
Correa tapped to lead Fresh Pear Committee
The Northwest pear industry has filled one of the leadership positions vacated by the outgoing Kevin Moffitt, longtime president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest...
Washington Apple Commission announces new president
The Washington Apple Commission announced the hiring of a new president, Michael Schadler, to take the reins of the export-focused organization in September...
Family-centered farming in Central California
California fruit family turns to cidery, direct sales and U-pick to keep fourth generation involved.
Apple growers nurturing the niches
Small growers bet on high-value managed varieties.
Market prepping for Washington’s next apple — Video
WA 64 winds its way through commercialization.
Washington Apple Commission hears health marketing proposal
Should the Washington Apple Commission dip a toe back into the world of domestic marketing by backing a new campaign promoting the health benefits of apples?
Tree fruit groups receive federal funding to help build export markets
Tree fruit industry groups will receive a share of federal funding to help diversify export markets...
Thurlby: The power of price
Cherry consumers rank quality and flavor as most important, but cost is a key metric, too.
Peach growers optimize advantages of local loyalty
Regional peach production still powers Midwest retail sales.
WSU to hold Ravenholt symposium on sustainable wine production May 9–10
Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology department will host a two-day symposium on sustainable wine production, new technologies and climate resilience...
USApple to host season-end webinar May 14
The U.S. Apple Association will host a webinar May 14 to take a rearview-mirror look at the 2023–24 apple season...
Navigating the new Washington wine landscape — Video
Washington wine industry looks at positioning itself for success in an era of shifting consumer demands.
Moffitt to leave Pear Bureau Northwest
Later this year, Kevin Moffitt will begin leaving Pear Bureau Northwest after 35 years with the nonprofit marketing organization.
Mixed messages for organic apple industry
Organic demand curves give Washington apple marketers pause.
Cherry King, motivation and marketing punctuate Cherry Institute
The Northwest Cherry Growers gathered in January for the 81st annual Cherry Institute featuring the crowning of the Cherry King and an inspirational keynote speaker with a tale of overcoming adversity...
Okanogan Valley farms growing in the land of perseverance
Growers in Washington’s Okanogan Valley find creative ways to thrive on small parcels.
Small grower cooperative makes a change for the bigger
Okanogan marketing cooperative expands with mid-.
Washington cherry growers to vote on marketing order referendum
Washington cherry growers: Check your mailbox! Ballots for the continuance referendum on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee are in the mail...
Apple industry discusses collective marketing
A new industry conversation considers declining consumption and what collective apple marketing could look like in the modern era.
Grand Tasting highlights final day of WineVit
Niche varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Semillon and sparkling Lemberger Blanc de Noir — and the opportunities that could come with them — were on the menu Wednesday during the Grand Tasting event at WineVit...
WineVit State of the Industry session looks at national challenges to wine consumption and local opportunities for growth
Speakers shared a lot of data during the WineVit State of the Industry session, to paint a picture of the challenges at play and chart paths forward...
Apple industry feeling the squeeze from economic pressures
With prices down and costs up, apple industry looks at strategies for weathering the downturn.
WineVit opens with a discussion on diversity in the wine industry
Who are the wine drinkers of the future? Who are the future workers — at every level — to drive success? Almost certainly, it’s going to be a more diverse community than in the industry’s past...
Innovations and renovations for Indiana’s Oliver Winery
A willingness to experiment with cultivars in their climate helped a pioneering Indiana winery grow, but now it’s narrowing the field to the most successful selections.
Berries on hold with high-tech, low-pressure storage
Low-pressure storage chambers extend blueberry storage six weeks for Washington farm.
Sustainable packaging a hot topic for tree fruit industry
Industry looks to adapt to shoppers’ desires for convenience and sustainability.
Tree fruit industry under pressure
Hort Show keynote: International trends squeeze fruit growers.
Tart cherry troubles for U.S. growers
Pricing, imports and weather-related crop losses lead to industry uncertainty.
Concord cash prices create confusion
Cash prices for Washington juice grapes crash — on average — leaving some growers confident and others uncertain.
Compressed cherry crop crisis
Overlapping harvests along the West Coast diminished cherry prices and shipments.
Indian market reopening for apples
Washington state exporters shipping more apples to India.
Washington’s FirstFruits Farms acquires Applewood Orchards of Michigan
FirstFruits Farms of Washington has acquired Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers of Michigan...
Family farming strategy: Divide, conquer and communicate
Wholesale and retail keep Nova Scotia family farm busy.
Filling the blueberry gap
Breeding agreement seeks better late-season Southeast blueberries.
Hort Show Day 3: Finding value
Final sessions cover organics rules and apple marketing tools for Washington growers.
Answering the opportunity: 2023 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Forty years after the founding of Douglas Fruit, the family is recognized for its commitment to quality, customers and the tree fruit industry.
Social media marketer shares video-making tips for farmers — Video
Kaitlyn Thornton coaches Good Fruit Grower's Ross Courtney and says it's as simple as telling stories.
Michigan farm family making their market
Whether growing apples or making cider, Engelsma family is on the cutting edge.
Washington Apple Commission welcomes new USDA export promotion program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a new program to help American farmers develop and maintain export markets...
Apples continue winning fruit fights
Apples fending off increased competition in the produce aisle.
Good Point: The industry needs apple advocates
Growers have great fruit to offer, the challenge is building domestic and export consumption.
CMI Orchards announces partnership with Starr Ranch Growers; Gilbert Orchards moves to Washington Fruit Growers
This week, CMI Orchards, the Wenatchee-based sales and marketing company, announced a new partnership with Starr Ranch Growers...
Co-op cooperation aims to keep the pear industry growing
New leaders at the Wenatchee River Valley’s three pear cooperatives share their vision for meeting the challenges facing the region.
Moffitt: Mixing it up in marketing
Pear promotions find success with diversified strategies.
Good to Know: The road to release
How WSU and the tree fruit industry work together on cultivar commercialization.
Northwest pear growers show strong support for continuing marketing order
As pear growers in Washington and Oregon head into harvest, they continue to show strong support for their marketing order program...
The Big Apple and the Big Blueberry?
New York industry has growth potential but faces labor and market challenges.
Compressed crop creates challenging Northwest cherry season
Northwest cherry growers have shipped about 12 million boxes of an expected 19-million-box crop so far this season in a challenging cherry market...
The big picture for pears
Inflation challenges, influencer opportunities and export options top discussion at Northwest pear industry annual meeting.
Golden opportunity on the apple aisle
U.S. companies launch new yellow apples.
WSU seeks commercialization partner for WA 64
Washington State University is looking for a commercialization partner for WA 64, the university’s latest apple release...
Pear Bureau Northwest meeting gathers industry to plan promotions
The fresh pear industry met this week in Wenatchee, Washington, to elect new leaders, discuss the developing crop and set an export marketing strategy...
Investing in early cherries
Retractable-roof greenhouse gives cherry blocks a head start.
Thurlby: We asked, they answered
The consumer has the final say on Northwest cherries.
IFTA focus: Meeting consumer demands
Retail and labor trends will continue to challenge fruit growers.
Facing reduced exports, Washington Apple Commission tasks new committee with planning for the future
The short 2022 apple harvest and myriad export challenges — from tariffs to tangled global transport — have taken Washington apple exports to the lowest level in 20 years...
A little of everything covered in Hort Show session
Hort Show tech session touches on eclectic variety of topics.
Family apple farm thriving in Southeast Michigan
Swindeman family succeeds despite distance from the rest of the state’s apple industry.
Washington wine industry sees both good and bad trends
Uncontracted Washington acreage and dropping red wine consumption cloud some positive industry trends discussed during WineVit.
Cosmic Crisp cracks the Top 10
The Cosmic Crisp apple, developed and marketed for Washington growers, has cracked the Top 10 in sales value and volume in the United States...
Growers vote to renew Michigan Apple Committee
Michigan’s apple producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program, also known as the Michigan Apple Committee, for another five years...
Tree times a Lady: Petite Lady Apple stacks up
Small growers bet on small Lady Apple for niche markets.
Chinese export market sparking hot Chilean cherries
South American producers seek market diversification.
Branded variety news: Mardi Gras pear makes debut; SugarBee apple program expands
A new pear variety is hitting store shelves in February, marketed under the brand name Mardi Gras by Domex Superfresh Growers of Yakima, Washington.
Hard cider sales show regional resiliency
Despite growing competition in beverage options, multiple channels are driving hard cider sales.
A small start for Cosmic Crisp expansion overseas
International WA 38 producers beginning to get WSU variety to market.
More Lone Star grapes supplying Texas wine industry
Texas wine industry growing swiftly.
Lower exportations for Washington fruit industry
Crop sizes, global upheavals and market fluctuations are forcing exporters to rethink Washington’s apple destinations.
Pearest of them all
Seven pear varieties tie for favorite in consumer trial.
Reaching the next level on Red Mountain
Red Mountain AVA’s founding family business continues into the third generation.
Gerlach: The need for Newton
USApple launches online database to make apple statistics more accessible for answering industry questions.
Apple industry feeling price pressures
Economic trends push consumers to buy cheaper apples as growers face rising costs of production.
Short expectations for Washington apple crop
Washington prepares for smaller-than-usual apple crop this season.
Fryhover: Exporting Cosmic Crisp
With Washington growers expecting 5 million boxes, it’s time to invest in international marketing.
Grown in the tart-land of the USA
Domestic tart cherry industry makes push for geographic designation.
Northwest fresh pear industry announces 2022 crop estimate and promotions
With harvest underway, Pear Bureau Northwest announced the first official estimate of the 2022–23 fresh pear crop for Washington and Oregon.
Moffitt: New realities for pears
Pear Bureau marketing promotes pears to younger consumers in physical, digital and virtual realities.
Webinar to discuss research on consumer preferences for pears
Pear Bureau Northwest announced in a news release a webinar scheduled Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time to present information from a research project on consumer preferences for pears. Carolyn Ross and Karina Gallardo of Washington State University and Ann Colonna of Oregon State University will discuss research conducted
Tighten the belt
Expecting a short crop, Washington Apple Commission reduces its budget and USApple dues.
Mount Adams Fruit purchases part of former Stadelman Fruit
Mount Adams Fruit of Bingen, Washington, has agreed to purchase the majority of Stadelman Fruit Co.’s Oregon operations.
A brave blue world
U.S. blueberry marketers aim for “world’s favorite fruit” position.
Sustainable steps for Washington vineyards
As Washington’s new wine grape growing certification program rolls out this summer, test pilot growers share insights.
Pear Bureau Northwest Promotes Bob Catinella to director of merchandising
Pear Bureau Northwest announced in a news release the promotion of Bob Catinella to director of merchandising. Bob Catinella Catinella joined the pear bureau in 2012 as one of the organization’s five regional marketing managers and was named lead regional marketing manager in 2019. “I am really excited to have
CSA surge
Pandemic drives produce shoppers to subscription services.
Garza: Taking Washington ag to new places
WSDA helps growers share their story in export markets.
Thurlby: Fruitful thinking
Northwest cherry growers hope to take advantage of market opportunities in 2022.
An uncertain path for a Colorado family farm
Organic grower reflects on the future of his family farm after back-to-back disasters and the ongoing threat of drought.
Apple expectations
A Colorado fruit-growing family refocuses on apples — and cider.
Nuanced improvement for Washington wine industry
WineVit speakers describe supply-demand balances as better but with caveats.
Grower cooperative looks beyond concentrate
Tree Top details plans to keep up with shifting consumer demands.
War in the heart of Europe’s apple production region may change the global picture for apple exports, according to Washington Apple Commission
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not just a humanitarian and political crisis, it’s also an agricultural one. Ukraine is one of the world’s top grain exporters, and its neighbors include some apple production leaders, including Poland and Turkey. “This is going to have a major impact across Europe and
Washington’s own sustainability program kicks off at WineVit
It was a packed house on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at WineVit for the session focused on the launch of Washington’s new sustainability certification program, SustainableWA. That’s a great sign, speakers said.
Cashing in on Cosmics
Prices for Cosmic Crisp finish 2020–2021 season as one of highest in apple market.
Scharlau: Rebels with a sustainable cause
Washington wine leaders worked long and hard to finally reach “the Standard.”
Sustainable packaging push
Packers roll out cardboard consumer packs for Costco.
An Eastern club apple with a twist
Partnership expands club apple for the Eastern U.S. to the West.
New York apples expanding sales
SnapDragon, RubyFrost marketing spreads beyond New York.
Online sales hold an opportunity inside
California gift basket company pivots to Amazon cherry sales.
Concord course-correction
High demand and low supply drive nearly $100 price jump.
Apple exports face another ‘tough year’
Lingering trade conflict, port problems, variety shifts slow international shipments.
Come on, get Happi
A precocious summer pear with a wide window of eating quality looks to find a spot in the supermarket.
Pear evaluators learn ‘aggressive sniffing’ to determine consumer preferences
Washington State University and Oregon State University food scientists begin pear evaluations.
Growing pains for pear growers
Study shows financial hurdles to breaking into Oregon’s pear industry.
Regional rise for Midwest apples
Family has big plans for apple industry in the Upper Mississippi River region.
Tree Top CEO highlights Hort Show opening session
Craig Green, president and CEO of Tree Top, shared concrete plans for the future of the Selah, Washington, fruit processing company as one of the highlights of the morning session at Day 1 of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting on Dec. 6, in Yakima. One of them
Sustaining history for California vineyards
California wine industry has years of sustainable certification.
SweeTango seeking grassroots boost
SweeTango growers partnering with direct marketers.
Blueberry industry votes to continue collective research and promotion program
U.S. producers and importers of blueberries overwhelmingly voted to continue a national collective research and promotion program, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release on Nov. 8. In a referendum last month, 84 percent of producers and importers voted in favor of continuing the federal Blueberry Promotion, Research
Vineyarding in the Far North
Wineries making a mark in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Apple opportunities
USApple speaker says alternative sales channels can boost apple profits.
Grab bag boom
Shippers adjust to increased demand for bags accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Lyons: Harnessing the power of international e-marketing
As more consumers find their fresh fruit online, Washington Apple Commission is up to the challenge.
Gem reaches Year 3
Producers of dual-threat pear now have enough volume to market more aggressively.
Toward precision pear packing
For Anjous, ripening efforts begin to pay off.
Moffitt: Still fresh after 90 years
Social media marketing and “Pearsonality” graphics introduce consumers to pears.
Blueberry exports reach China
A retailer in China held a ceremony this month to mark the first promoted import of fresh U.S. blueberries. The three pallets of berries were grown by Norris Farms in the Umpqua River Valley of Oregon and shipped airfreight by Domex Superfresh Growers of Yakima, Washington, to Pagoda, a Chinese
Marketing messages growing behind the scenes
Marketing groups commission videos to communicate growers’ efforts and decisions.
New York apples open to all
Latest Cornell releases will fill different sales niches in apple market.
Okanogan opportunities
North Central Washington growers are finding new life in Honeycrisp-derived club varieties well-suited for their climate.
Psycho Clown scores a win for pears
USA Pears contracts with Mexican luchador as health spokesman.
Wineries find it pays to put a label on it
New York viticulture seeks to verify sustainable practices.
A healthy foundation for marketing
Decades of research undergirds fruit marketing messages.
Thurlby: Make room for blooms
Cherry industry takes notes on last season’s success and invests in healthy markets for 2021.
Sending the blues overseas
Washington, Oregon growers launch blueberry marketing programs in Southeast Asia.
Joining ciders
U.K. experience plus U.S. innovation makes for good hard cider blend.
Sophomore slump for Cosmic Crisp?
Marketers point to pandemic pressure as Cosmic Crisp faces lower prices and slow movement.
For Washington wine, the glasses are half full
The challenges for the state’s wine industry highlight a few bright spots.
Asian pears not for the thin-skinned
Asian pears can work in Eastern states but need intensive management.
California cuts back wine grape acreage
Vineyard removals and a short 2020 crop ease the pressure, but “structural oversupply” remains.
WA 38 details shared via webinar
Managers of the commercialization of the WA 38, the Washington State University apple marketed as Cosmic Crisp, reported growth in domestic sales, European-grown apples reaching market for the first time and continued royalties for the university in a Feb. 9 webinar. Caretakers of the apple shared general stats about plantings,
Organic ins and outs
Three pear industry leaders discuss the considerations of organic production.
Washington vineyard betting on bubbles
One Washington winery is planting sparkling-specific vineyards to capitalize on the growing demand.
2021 Cherry Institute spotlights Northwest cherry successes
Of all produce, cherries showed the highest percentage of dollar growth in March to September 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, leading B.J. Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers, to call them a pandemic powerhouse. “Cherries were amazing last year,” he said. All in all, the cherry industry
Packers dwarfed but not disadvantaged
East, Midwest push back against Pacific Northwest pressure.
Ohio Apples rebrands as Fresh Forward
Ohio Apples has rebranded as Fresh Forward, according to a news release. In recent years, the farm cooperative’s membership has grown beyond Ohio to include orchards and vegetable farms in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Virginia. The new brand, Fresh Forward, and tagline, “Harvested from Great Lakes Farms,” better represent the regionality
Cosmic cousin still growing
Growers, industry build the WA 2 program with little fanfare so far.
Political prognostications
2021 will bring policy changes, challenges.
Chelsea Van Acker, a young grower from Williamson, New York
Chelsea grew up on the family farm, Van Acker Farms, graduated from Cornell University and works in field services for New York Apples Sales. She’s the daughter of Dan and Lori Van Acker.
Pandemic brings loads to bear with trucking rate
Hort Show speaker: Pandemic pushes already high shipping costs higher.
Grape stats for 2020: good, bad and ugh-ly
Concord growers enjoy rising demand and prices, while Washington wine grape growers struggle with reduced demand, smoke concerns.
Erica Bland, a young grower from Dryden, Washington
Erica is a fourth-generation farmer with a degree in criminal justice and sits on the Blue Star Growers board of directors. Erica is the daughter of Vince and Lesa Bland.
Hort Show Day 1: Apple variety overload again a topic at annual conference
Phil Lempert, keynote speaker at the Washington State Tree Fruit Association's live video event on Dec. 7, discussed consumer and retail trends. Once again, a familiar question popped up in the opening session of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting: How many apple varieties is too many? And
Prophecies from a Supermarket Guru
Keynote Hort Show speaker to share predictions of future grocery shopping.
Royally sweet additions to Washington AVAs
Royal Slope, Candy Mountain become Washington’s newest American Viticultural Areas.
An ethos beyond organic
Biodynamic viticulture, which combines ecology and a sense of spirituality, is attracting wine industry interest.
Fighting food fears with farming facts
Agriculture must combat consumer misperceptions.
The club crowd
Apple growers, packers, retailers and consumers are all trying to find their way in the growing maze of managed varieties.
The pandemic press on apple marketing
Marketers, retailers respond to a year of chaos for consumers.
An unprecedented year
USApple focuses on positive during virtual conference.
Apple forecast: 2020 crop down 3 percent from last year
Gala officially bests Red Delicious as the top variety, and Honeycrisp is expected to rank third in 2020.
Fryhover: Allow apple competition
With exports falling, the Washington Apple Commission looks to focus on home court strength.
A year of wings and prayers
Cherry harvest shapes up as a season of nuance, contrasts.
Cherries get a lift — Video
Rural Washington state airport sees boost in cherry exports during otherwise down year.
A deal for canned pears
Under new law, processors and growers reach price agreement.
So much uncertainty for wine industry
Grape growers expect less demand, lower prices at harvest and hope Congress will make wine grapes eligible for future pandemic relief programs.
Washington Fruit and Produce Co. and Yakima Fresh announce partnership
Two Yakima, Washington, fruit companies with over a century of experience each announced a merger of marketing operations this week. The new partnership, Washington Fruit Sales, will merge Yakima Fresh with the Washington Fruit and Produce sales team. Marketing company Yakima Fresh was formerly a partnership of three Yakima-area fruit
Moffitt: Promotional reaction
Pear Bureau adapts quickly to retail changes.
Virtual happy hour
When coronavirus closed tasting room doors, winemakers turned to online events.
Apple Outlook, Day 2: 2020 crop down 3 percent from last year
The 2020 USApple estimate is 253.3 million bushels, very close to the USDA estimate, as shown here in a slide from the conference that was held virtually Aug. 20–21. (Matt Milkovich/Good Fruit Grower) Day two of the 2020 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference has wrapped up, and the final
Apple Outlook, Day 1: Speakers talk messaging and crop sizes
The 2020 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference is being held online Aug. 20–21. The first day of the 2020 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference is a wrap. Jack Bobo, CEO of Futurity, gave the opening presentation: “Why We Fear the Food We Eat.” Around the world, modern agriculture
Washington apple growers expect another 134 million box crop
Washington apple growers expect to harvest 134 million boxes in 2020, according to the crop forecast released by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. That’s very close to the 2019 harvest, which came in at 133.9 million boxes. “Harvest is underway and growers anticipate being able to meet strong consumer
Industry eyeing apples aplenty
Trade wars, pandemic are responsible for too much fruit in storage.
Chile to take U.S. West Coast blueberries
The government of Chile has agreed to accept imports of blueberries from Washington, Oregon and California, and will consider other areas, opening up potentially lucrative counter-season trade. On July 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, notified the North American Blueberry Council that
Latest Northwest cherry estimate calls for 19 million boxes
The Northwest sweet cherry harvest has begun its seasonal descent, and the industry estimates a volume totaling more than 190,000 tons, or 19 million 20-pound box equivalents, by the time it wraps up in late August, Northwest cherry industry officials said July 30. If the prediction holds, it would line
Nature and nurture at Sicilian vineyard
Santa Tresa owners are taking organic approach to grow wine grapes on centuries-old site.
Hold on to your Anjous
On the controversial topic of self-regulation, the Northwest pear industry approved stricter quality standards for early season Anjou shipments, but do they go far enough?
Washington shippers making Farmers to Families food boxes
USDA coronavirus response program offers contracts so distributors can supply nonprofits, benefiting both growers and families in need.
Ludacrisp gaining speed
Growers planting Midwest Apple Improvement Association’s second-most popular variety in greater numbers.
Apple industry appeals to USDA to revisit pandemic payment eligibility
USApple says the USDA used flawed approach that found most apple growers ineligible for support despite price declines and sales slowdowns
Marketing pears in a pandemic
The Pear Bureau Northwest’s annual meeting featured updates on marketing pivots and planning for the season ahead.
Sweet cherry consolidation
Michigan growers adjust to changing markets.
Pear Bureau Northwest will meet via webinar May 26–29
The Pear Bureau Northwest’s annual meetings will be held via webinar May 26–29. The meetings are open to all interested growers and other industry members. On Tuesday, the Fresh Pear Committee’s box weight and Anjou regulation subcomittees will meet. Wednesday will be the foreign trade committee meeting and Thursday will
Taking on the challenge of cherries
Veteran growers offer words of encouragement, advice.
Developing digital demand
Marketers scramble to create online impulse shopping for cherries post-coronavirus.
Thurlby: A cherry market that no one has ever seen
Pandemic pressures push cherry promotions to quickly adapt to online shopping and digital marketing, but Northwest Cherry Growers is up to the challenge.
Northwest Cherry Growers holds virtual 5-state annual meeting
The annual 5-state meeting of Cherry Growers Northwest, normally held in a Richland, Washington, hotel, convened virtually on May 13 with more than 100 participants by either Zoom or conference call. Sweet cherry producers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana collectively estimated a crop of 20.15 million 20-pound box
Farm market sales go on with social distancing
Farm markets adapt to pandemic measures.
A forgotten fruit region finds itself
Growers starting to realize West-central Michigan’s potential.
Consumer conscious wine marketing
Sustainability sells, but surveys show consumers don’t always understand it.
Wine of the times
In an era of too many bottles for too few drinkers, industry must adapt to new tastes, say experts at the Washington Winegrowers Association’s annual gathering.
No napkins needed with neat peaches
New varieties from the Rutgers University breeding program offer good flavor in a firmer fruit that’s less messy for consumers.
How to claw back market share
Day one of the Washington Winegrowers Association annual conference focuses on marketing challenges and opportunities.
Tart cherry growers to vote on free markets or orderly marketing
Tart cherry industry to decide Cherry Industry Administrative Board’s fate.
Cosmic Crisp soars at launch
After years of research and branding buildup, the first Cosmic Crisps hit the market.
WA 2 legal battles escalate
WSU files against Yakima grower for patent infringement of apple.
Feeling blue?
Blueberries, already lauded for health benefits, have a new honor: Their own emoji. The Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit group that aims to set standards for digital communication, has approved the addition of the blueberries emoji for release in March, when it will join other fruit emojis such as the apple,
On the way to supplying local organic demand
One New York-based grocery chain invests in organic farming to help its suppliers meet customer demand, but for fruit, it has a long way to go.
It pays to promote
Northwest U.S. tree fruit groups put trade conflict mitigation funds to work.
China ramps up cherries
Presentation about Chinese production increases highlights Cherry Institute.
Tart cherry growers feeling the squeeze
Producers battling SWD, imports and changing tastes.
Easing tart cherry trade troubles
After years of challenges for U.S. tart cherry industry, some recent victories offer promising signs.
Grape juice prices getting better
U.S. juice grape prices inch up as production and demand fall in line.
Survey seeks input on selling sustainable wine
New grant helps industry ask what wine drinkers want when it comes to green wine.
O’Rourke: Is apple demand falling?
If so, how should the Washington apple industry respond?
Kevin Shaw and Lance Davison, young growers from Vernon, British Columbia
Kevin Shaw, a first-generation farmer, grew up in Kenya and pursued an engineering degree. Lance Davison, a fourth-generation farmer, grew up in Vernon and focused on horticulture in college. Kevin married Lance’s sister, Laura. The family business includes parents, Tamra and Tom Davison, and grandparents, Dora and Bob Davison.
SnapDragon takes another bite of acreage
New York keeps RubyFrost expansion on hold for now.
Michigan apples keeping a competitive edge
Recent mergers and acquisitions reshuffle Michigan apple industry.
Project aims to reframe the conversation about food and farming
Nonprofit founder will discuss ongoing project about food and farming during Great Lakes EXPO.
Economist moves view from chaos to confidence
WSTFA Annual Meeting keynote speaker offers new perspective for economic outlook.
Washington Apple Week takes local growers to global markets
Apple Commission launches campaign in 14 export countries.
New pear is twice as nice
Oregon growers harvest nation’s first commercial crop of Gem pear, a variety that eats well right off the tree and after storage.
Growers switch gears after grape glut
Wine grape industry hits period of oversupply, lower prices.
The local niche offers opportunities during downturn
Former WSU professor doubles down on Columbia Gorge AVA vineyard.
U.S. apple exports complicated by tariffs
USApple Outlook speakers discuss high barriers faced in China, India.
Are consumers confused by too many apple varieties?
While the 2019 apple crop will be fairly average in size, grocer says consumers have too many choices.
Room to grow in Ontario
Expanding direct-sale opportunities starts with wide tree rows at Ontario farm.
Fryhover: Retail has much to say
… are we listening?
Pear industry ripe for a rescue
What’s the future for pears? It’s complicated and urgent, and the industry is working to tackle the issue.
Moffitt: Ripe Anjou is the new pear variety!
How Pear Bureau Northwest is working to make sure consumers can eat their pears right away.
Day one of USApple conference covers customers, crop size, marketing and more
Speaker says industry must do more to reconnect with consumers.
Growers feel the squeeze of another canning contraction
Pear growers removing trees in reaction to sour canned market.
How growing is going global
International nursery groups revamp to keep up with and drive the world of managed varieties.
Jaden and John Griggs, young growers from Orondo, Washington
family background/ Jaden and John are the fifth generation to work on the family farm. Jaden will attend the University of Montana, majoring in business, sales and marketing this fall, and John graduated from Wenatchee Valley College’s tree fruit program.
New round of trade help
Federal government announces new wave of trade mitigation programs.
Neil Jones makes price offer for canning pears
Neil Jones Food Co. has agreed to pay canning pear growers a price lower than offered by the association that has typically negotiated for Northwest farmers. At a small growers meeting last week, the Vancouver, Washington, company offered $315 for Grade 1A pears, said Adam McCarthy, a Hood River, Oregon,
Josh Heinicke, a young grower from Wenatchee, Washington
https://youtu.be/4-7Uy5qsYwQ family background / Josh is the fourth generation of his family in farming and is the production supervisor at Columbia Fruit. He graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Josh is the son of Susan and Gus Heinicke. grower / Wenatchee, Washington age / 27 crops /
Defining organics
Northwest tree fruit industry speaks up when Seattle hosts the National Organic Standards Board.
Michigan apple shippers combine forces
Two Michigan apple shippers are joining forces on sales and marketing, BelleHarvest and Michigan Fresh Marketing announced in June. The combined sales force will represent about 150 growers and operate seven packing facilities in Michigan and Wisconsin, according to a news release from BelleHarvest, making it the second largest apple
Northwest fresh pear growers anticipate a solid crop
Pear Bureau Northwest announced in a news release the first official fresh pear crop estimate for the 2019-20 season. Pear growers and producers from Washington’s Wenatchee and Yakima districts and Oregon’s Medford and Mid-Columbia districts anticipate harvesting 17.3 million 44-pound box equivalents, or approximately 380,000 tons of fresh pears. The
Cosmic Crisp partners with Crunch Pak and Litehouse
Cosmic Crisp, the new apple variety developed by Washington State University as WA 38, will be part of a partnership with two refrigerated product companies: Crunch Pak, the sliced apple specialist, and Litehouse, known for its refrigerated salad dressings and innovative consumer packaged goods. According to a news release from
Seneca closing pear processing plant
Seneca Foods plans to close its Sunnyside, Washington, fruit processing facility after the 2019 pear harvest, leaving the Northwest with only two pear canners. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) Northwest pear growers may respond to Seneca Foods closing its Sunnyside, Washington, processing plant by pulling out orchards as the pear industry
More Northwest-grown Bartlett pears went to fresh market in 2018
For the first time, more Northwest-grown Bartlett pears headed into the fresh market than the processing market last year. Processors canned just under 100,000 tons and packers took just over 100,000 tons, B.J. Thurlby, manager of the Processing Pear Committee, told the committee’s board at its annual meeting in Portland
Cherry marketers testing foreign waters
Northwest Cherries experiments with developing markets in three Southeast Asian nations.
Thurlby: Another season of hope is upon us
Northwest Cherries President B.J. Thurlby looks ahead at another season of hope, with a solid plan in place.
Seneca to close pear plant
Seneca Foods plans to close its Sunnyside, Washington, fruit processing facility in the fall after the 2019 pear harvest, leaving the Northwest with only two pear canneries. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) Seneca Foods is getting out of the processed pear business and will shutter its Sunnyside, Washington, plant
Arctic Fuji apple receives FDA approval
The Arctic Fuji apple. (Courtesy Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.) Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc., based in Summerland, British Columbia, announced its newest genetically modified, nonbrowning Arctic apple variety, Arctic Fuji, completed the voluntary review process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 26. Arctic Fuji is the
Packaging options for Cosmic Crisp
Universal packaging design will ensure consistent branding across the industry.
Grading on a Cosmic scale
Industry committee sets grade standards for new WSU-bred apple variety slated for commercial release this year.
Crafting rosé with intention
Pink wine creates new market, new approach to fruit quality.
Merlot up again after the ‘Sideways Effect’
Merlot back on the rise, 15 years after movie slam.
Gallo acquires wine brands and production facilities in California, Washington and New York
E. & J. Gallo Winery announced April 3 that it has entered into an agreement with Constellation Brands Inc. to purchase more than 30 wine and spirits brands, along with six winemaking facilities located in California, Washington and New York. According to a news release, among the brands joining the
New Jersey Peach Promotion Council welcomes new board members
Erica Shiles The New Jersey Peach Promotion Council announced in a news release three new board members: Erica Shiles, Bonnie Lundblad and Matt Duffield. Shiles is a fourth-generation family farmer on F & R Grasso, in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The farm was purchased in 1953 and harvests
Industry veteran Jamie Peha appointed as executive director of Auction of Washington Wines
Jamie Peha The Auction of Washington Wines has named industry veteran Jamie Peha its interim executive director, effective immediately. According to a news release, Peha has already played a key role as part of the AWW team. As director of the event’s Private Barrel Auction, she grew the
Lessons in supply and demand for wine grape growers
Wine broker describes transition period from shortage to excess.
Headwinds approaching Washington wine industry
Analysts concur: Wine grape growers will need to be innovative in today’s rapidly evolving market.
WSU wine research seminar on April 17 to focus on smoke exposure
The impact of smoke taint from wildfires is the focus of the Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology (WAVEx) research seminar on April 17 in Richland, Washington.
Record 2018 blueberry crop plants Oregon in No. 1 spot
Earliblue blueberry growing in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 2011. The blueberry crop is booming in Oregon and Washington, which together make up nearly 40 percent of the U.S. market. (Courtesy Lynn Ketchum/Oregon State University) In a surprise comeback, Oregon regained the top spot among the nation’s blueberry producers
Cornell analysis of N.Y. apple industry reveals bigger economic impact
Cornell University researchers, using a new, more precise framework for economic impact analysis, found the New York apple industry has a 21 percent larger economic impact compared to traditional models.
USA Pears making first appearance at South by Southwest
USA Pears will be part of the Wellness Expo at the 2019 South by Southwest (SXSW) cultural event in Austin, Texas, March 9 and 10. In its second year, the SXSW Wellness Expo was created to bring thousands of SXSW attendees interested in healthy living together with companies in the
Sale of Broetje Orchards creates FirstFruits Farms
New owner plans to continue many employee-support programs created by Broetje.
Trade mitigation funds approved for Washington apples
The Washington Apple Commission will receive nearly $8.5 million through the USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) funding program, according to a news release. The program is designed to help mitigate the damages from the additional trade tariffs imposed on Washington apples in several key export markets. ATP funding is a
USApple announces 2019 Young Apple Leaders
The U.S. Apple Association announced its class of 2019 Young Apple Leaders, a group of young women and men selected by the organization to join with and learn from USApple leaders as they advocate on issues impacting growers and the apple industry. “The 2019 Young Apple Leaders’ class is the
Winegrowers kicks off
Attendees who braved the recent snowfall in the Pacific Northwest take a short break between sessions during the 2019 Washington Winegrowers Association convention and trade show on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The main educational sessions take place here, on the ice of the Toyota Center at the Three Rivers
BC Tree Fruits restructures
International Fruit Tree Association tour attendees participate in a hard cider tasting session in July, 2018, highlighting BC Tree Fruits’ decision to open a cidery as a market for the cooperative’s commercial-grade fruit at its Kelowna, British Columbia, packing facility. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) BC Tree Fruits, which
Register now for WSU/OSU Cherry Fruit School, March 12-13
Sweet cherry growers can learn about the latest research and technology at the upcoming Cherry Fruit School, From Bud to Bucket, hosted by Washington State University Tree Fruit Extension and Oregon State University Extension Service. The Cherry Fruit School is scheduled on March 12 and 13 at four locations: Wenatchee,
EverCrisp apple sales expanding to Texas
Sales of the MAIA-1 apple variety, developed by the Midwest Apple Improvement Association and marketed as EverCrisp, have expanded to Texas. Described as sweet, juicy and firm, EverCrisp combines the best features of its parent varieties, Honeycrisp and Fuji, and is now in its second season selling at grocery stores.
Heart-healthy certification expanded for all varieties of USA Pears
The American Heart Association's Heart-Check logo is now certified for all 10 varieties of pears under the USA Pears brand. (Courtesy Pear Bureau Northwest) Pear Bureau Northwest announced the expansion of the American Heart Association’s heart-healthy branding to all 10 varieties of pears from the Northwest. “We have
Warming up to Arctic apples
Canadian developers of first GMO apple plan for expansion.
Pear industry pitches American-grown canned fruit
Buyers urged to buy American because "Kids CAN taste the difference" between U.S. pears and imports
Apple marketers like social media
Facebook, YouTube and pop-up stores giving marketers new tools to introduce consumers to club apples.
Kurrle: 2019 brings challenges and opportunities
From agricultural labor to farm bill programs, regulations and trade agreements, the policies and decisions made in Washington, D.C., impact your business every day. Responding to these critical issues and ensuring the “apple voice” is heard by members of Congress and the administration is a top priority for the USApple
President signs Farm Bill
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed the $867 billion Farm Bill that Congress passed last week with bipartisan support. The five-year Farm Bill ensures several items of funding that affect the tree fruit industry. Among them are continued support of work to fight pests and diseases, enhancement of the National
Grower yields profits with agritourism
British Columbia orchard gambles on agritainment to preserve legacy for next generation.
Congress passes $867 billion Farm Bill
Today Congress passed an $867 billion Farm Bill with strong bipartisan support. The House of Representatives voted 386-47 in favor of the bill. The Senate passed the legislation in an 87-to-13 vote on Tuesday. “It will take us some time to wade through the bill and get to all the
Cosmic Crisp launch
$10.7 million marketing campaign aims to put WA 38 (Cosmic Crisp) on the map.
WSTFA annual meeting, Day 1
A wrap of the first day's discussions at the WSTFA Annual Meeting and Hort Show in Yakima
Growing generations: 2018 Good Fruit Growers of the Year
Block by block, the Plath family has grown a company — and a reputation for quality — by focusing on every aspect of fruit production from tree to market.
Fryhover: To boldly go
Washington Apple Commission President Todd Fryhover says the path to marketing success starts with the apple.
Pear Bureau Northwest hires Angela Daniels as event coordinator
Daniels brings prior experience in events, communications and marketing
Conquering Concords
Study aims to help growers make juice grapes profitable.
Switching to organic in the vineyard
Welch’s grower shares costs and benefits involved with transitioning juice grapes.
IFTA B.C. tour: Crafty choices
How British Columbia’s apple industry looks to add value through cider.
IFTA B.C. tour: A taste of history
Okanagan growers share their deep roots during the International Fruit Tree Association summer tour.
Call for committee nominations
Pear, cherry and apricot growers and handlers can submit committee nominations at industry meetings in December and January.
Great Lakes Farm EXPO: Wide range of fruit sessions
Huge gathering of growers set for December in Michigan.
Fire blight control featured at 2018 WSTFA Annual Meeting
Growers to gather for December’s annual conference in Yakima, Washington.
Gilbert: What you can – and can’t – control
Deciding on a theme and topics for the WSTFA Annual Meeting.
Himalayan aspirations
Growers, government and World Bank investment drive modernization in India’s apple orchards.
After Ambrosia: ‘Where do we go from here?’
B.C. apple growers looking for next variety after years of Ambrosia reliance.
Variety Watch: An apple so nice, they named it twice
Growers, inventors are hoping markets Rave about First Kiss.
EverCrisp: A club for everyone
EverCrisp apple’s open managed approach is getting enthusiastic marks from Midwest and Mid-Atlantic growers.
2018 apple harvest by the numbers
Industry looks into crystal ball for 2018 forecast around the globe.
Making sure Cosmic comes out Crisp – Video
Growers learn from other growers on tour of some of the first commercial WA 38 plantings.
WAEF honors volunteers for service
Xochitl Velazquez, Steve Clive and Washington Fruit & Produce were honoredfor their service to the foundation’s efforts with educational opportunities and scholarship awards.
Constance Savage named general manager of L’Ecole N° 41
L’Ecole’s current general manager Debbie Frol will retire at the end of the year.
Good Point: The time is ripe for pears
Getting great tasting fruit into customers’ hands will bring them back for more.
New price for processed pears: $353 per ton
The new price is lower than the $360 per ton paid last year due to lower prices from the food service sector and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and an influx of Chinese canned pears sold at lower than the cost of U.S. production.
IFTA B.C. tour: Land of late and lucrative cherries – Video
British Columbia growers double down to hit the late-season market.
Stannard named new chair at USApple
She has been in the apple business since 1996 and is owner of New York Apple Sales, Inc., one of the largest marketers of New York state apples.
Tree fruit added to U.S. relief program for food impacted by trade disputes
The Food Purchase and Distribution Program will buy up to $1.2 billion in food products “unfairly targeted by unjustified retaliation.”
New U.S. apple crop estimate revised downward
256.2 million bushel crop prediction on Day 2 of US Apple Outlook meeting is 6 percent lower than USDA's estimate from two weeks ago, largely based on changes in Washington's crop.
University of Minnesota introduces First Kiss apple
The same apple breeding team that brought Honeycrisp to market is releasing a new cultivar this year.
Woodall joins Michigan Apple Committee as regional manager
The Michigan Apple Committee has hired John Woodall as regional manager covering the northern region of the U.S.
Dressel named chairperson of NYAA board
Sarah Dressel of Dressel Farms in New Paltz, New York, has been named chairperson of the board of directors for the New York Apple Association, the organization that represents the 600 commercial apple growers in New York. In an announcement, NYAA President Cynthia Haskins called the appointment significant for NYAA
Adams joins Washington Apple Commission’s communications team
The Washington Apple Commission has hired Toni Lynn Adams as a communications outreach coordinator.
Two Northwest associations focused on trade finalize affiliation
Northwest Fruit Exporters is now a member of the Northwest Horticultural Council.
Too hot and cold in the Golden State
Temperature tantrums abound for apricot, peach and cherry growers in California.
Steven Murray Jr., a young grower from Bakersfield, California
family background / Steven has helped change Murray Family Farms’ business, adding farm markets and agritourism at locations in California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley. He graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is the son of Steve and Vickie Murray. age / 32 crops / Cherries, diversified
EverCrisp release ramps up
Midwest Apple Improvement Association marketing its first new apple.
WSU reveals its wild cider
Students start cider apple breeding program to learn techniques.
New potential for old apples
Cider demand renews interest for growing traditional varieties in modern orchard systems.
Northwest tree fruit delegation heads to D.C. to talk trade
A delegation representing the Northwest tree fruit industry will be meeting with Trump administration officials and members of Congress next week to discuss foreign trade sanctions negatively impacting the industry. Mark Powers The meeting, originally intended to focus strictly on exports to China, has been in the works
Pear Bureau Northwest hires regional marketing manager
Pear Bureau Northwest hires regional marketing manager
Mexico slaps tariffs on U.S. apples
Country's largest apple export market retaliates over steel and aluminum tariffs.
Plans within plants
Managing sheer number of samples, volume of data is focus for breeding program.
A mighty idea
Mighty Tieton founder working to turn fruit labels into giant mosaics.
A sweet solution for cherries
Montana’s cherries find another market as Tabletree juice.
Ready to rally in Big Sky country
Montana’s sweet cherry growers are hoping for a better year after the downturn of 2017.
Thurlby: Complications in cherry forecast
2018 brings an earlier start and cloud of tariffs over China.
Concerns over China top Northwest cherry growers meeting
Industry members fear trade disputes could impact largest export market.
Roles are changing in crop consulting
Crop consultants are venturing into new arenas with shifts in industry.
Net benefits
Orchard netting can help prevent fruit sunburn in addition to protecting against hail damage.
Growing into the future – Video
New Zealand researchers and growers testing limits with 2D, 3D systems.
Rockit gains altitude
New Zealand growers have soaring hopes for little apple.
‘Kia ora’ from a distant land
The view south through the Motueka Valley at Birdhurst Orchard in Nelson, New Zealand in February 2018. Below, the first group of International Fruit Tree Association New Zealand Study Tour attendees learns about how the Wilkins brothers transitioned the farm from cattle and tobacco to 500 acres of Gala,
Farrow: The ‘it’ factor in IFTA
The International Fruit Tree Association makes some changes, but commitment to growers remains the same.
New Zealand’s Honeycrisp blossoms in Timaru – Video
Finicky variety finds success in central New Zealand climate.
All in with organics
Washington cooperative Tree Top moves into higher-priced categories.
The worldwide view of wine from Washington : Video
Speakers at the 2018 Washington Winegrowers annual convention bring big-picture perspective.
Venture vineyardists
Industry experts offer branding and marketing strategies for grape growers.
When growers meet lawmakers
Industry groups ask growers to directly participate in lobbying.
Dollars from China fuel a new Washington vineyard and resort
Dollars from China fuel a new Washington vineyard and resort
Variety Watch: Koru rolls down red carpet
First commercial U.S. shipments of chance New Zealand apple variety reach store shelves.
Domex Superfresh appoints director of business development
Paul Newstead has joined Domex Superfresh Growers as Director of Business Development. According to the company's news release: In this role, Newstead will be responsible for generating new customers and building existing Paul Newstead relationships across North America. To do this, he will leverage Superfresh Growers expansive line
Munch Madness? USApple rolls out pun-laden promotion
Munch Madness has begun. The third annual promotion of the U.S. Apple Association pits apple varieties against each other in popular votes tournament-style. Munch Madness Organizers ask apple eaters to visit applevsapple.com to vote for their favorite varieties through the different stages of the tournament. The contest includes
20 years in the making
Milbrandt brothers look back on two decades in Washington’s wine grape industry as they open the state’s largest custom wine bottling operation.
Great grape growth in Michigan
Economic study shows soaring winery industry.
WAVEx event set for March 15
WAVEx event set for March 15
Michigan growers go local with cherries
Growth looks promising in Michigan's fresh cherry market.
Ohio grower adds a touch of tech to his orchard
Former information-technology specialist uses computer skills in pick-your-own venture.
Going green with reds and whites
Will the investment in eco-certification for your vineyard pay off? It depends.
Plight of the Concords
Juice grape prices inching up, but acreage decline continues.
All aboard the cherry express
Airborne exports through Sea-Tac help make up for tough domestic year for sweet cherries.
A cool place for cherry exports
New facility to improve cherry movement through Sea-Tac.
Bryant: Troubling signs on trade
With talk of tariffs and ending NAFTA, the apple industry must use defense, data and offense to protect exports.
Protecting intellectual property
Managers of new Washington State University-bred apple variety use high-tech software to protect intellectual property rights.
With constant changes, how can growers adapt? Annual Meeting Preview
Wells Fargo ag economist to give broad perspective — ‘upstream, downstream and sideways’ — at Washington annual meeting.
Big hopes for a big cherry
Large-growing Tamara showing early promise, but it’ll be a few seasons before the verdict is in.
Wine gaining ground in Michigan
New Michigan wine collaborative aims to shape state’s industry.
Wenatchee district pear grower, handler nomination meeting set
Pear handlers will elect nominees for a Wenatchee district grower position and a handler position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927.
Yakima district pear grower nomination meeting set
Pear handlers will elect nominees for a Yakima district grower position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927.
James Bukovinsky, a young grower working in Benton City, Washington
family background / James grew up in Woodinville, Washington, and earned an environmental science degree from the University of Idaho. After his degree, he toured California vineyards and fell in love with farming, diving into viticulture courses at Walla Walla Community College. age / 34 crops / Grapes
Report says Apple Commission overbilled by contractor in India more than $500k
The Washington Apple Commission overpaid a contractor in India more than $500,000, according to a state investigation first reported by The Wenatchee World newspaper.
Cherry and apricot marketing boards to make nominations
Nominations for grower and handler positions on the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee and Washington Apricot Marketing Committee will take place during industry meetings in January. The committees establish grade, size and pack regulations for fresh cherries and apricots from designated counties in Washington state.
Organics programs need all voices
A sticky situation: Industry is urging growers to get involved with standards board.
Stemilt will use virtual reality for tours at PMA show
Those attending the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit will get a glimpse of Stemilt Growers without having to leave the conference.
The variabilities of Honeycrisp: Good To Know
Research Commission surveys quality, availability of Honeycrisp at retail.
Customers are willing to pay a premium only on high quality, fresh sliced pears
A premium price Recently, a willingness-to-pay study has shown that consumers are willing to pay up to 20 cents more for high-quality, sliced, fresh packed pears treated with a ripening compound compared to sliced fresh packed pears with no treatment. The study shows the promise of the slicing segment to
Free event in Yakima for growers Sept. 21 on intellectual property management
Lynnell Brandt, left, president of Proprietary Variety Management, discusses licensing and grade standards of Cosmic Crisp apples during a field day in September in Quincy, Washington. At right is Ines Hanrahan, project manager for the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission. (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower) A free Intellectual
Fourth Leaf flies independent flag
Washington’s renamed Holtzinger is one of a few packers in U.S. that doesn’t also grow its own fruit.
The ag advocates
Hort Council presses on amid leadership change.
Board mulling lower assessments for Oregon brine cherries
The Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission is considering a proposed administrative rule change to reduce the assessment rate on brine cherries.
NY Apple Association makes staffing changes
The New York Apple Association has announced that its president and CEO Cynthia Haskins will direct the association's marketing and promotional activities for the 2017 apple crop.
Bryant Christie Inc. celebrates 25th anniversary
Bill Bryant, left, and James Christie of Bryant Christie Inc. (Courtesy photo) Bryant Christie Inc., a company that helps agricultural, food and beverage producers open and expand foreign markets, celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 1. The company was founded in 1992 as W.L. Bryant Co. by Bill
Scholarships offered for United Fresh Washington Conference
The application period for the 2017 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship is now open.
Honeycrisp sports race toward red
Premier Honeycrisp ripens as much as two to three weeks before regular Honeycrisp. (Courtesy Adams County Nursery) New varieties aren’t the only things on growers’ minds. They are also thinking about upgrading their Honeycrisp to one of the sports that are all the rage. “What happens with the
Lots of new apples coming to market
The Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) has been busy with new varieties, including these two: the yellow Crunch-a-Bunch, which is popular in the cider arena, and the red Bakers Delight that has flavor likened to a strawberry milkshake. Both varieties were launched by Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Co. in
Should Cosmic Crisp have a “utility” grade?
Questions remain about color standards for new Washington State University variety.
Apple industry readies itself for the big thing called Cosmic Crisp
Planting surge of highly hyped Cosmic Crisp is likely to test growers, packers, marketers — and consumers.
Amazon purchase of Whole Foods a sign of big disruption in food retailing
America’s grocery stores are undergoing tremendous change. Profits face downward pressure. Consumers are buying more from outside of traditional supermarkets. Online purveyors such as Blue Apron are on the rise. Two big German chains are expanding their presence in the U.S. Then there’s Amazon, the online juggernaut that has turned its
Interpera Congress addresses industry inertia
About 150 people attended the first day of Interpera 2017, this year’s World Pear Congress meeting, Thursday, June 15, 2017, in Wenatchee.
Chelan Fresh, Columbia Valley Fruit enter agreement
Six weeks after announcing a merger with another fruit company, Chelan Fresh has entered into an exclusive marketing agreement with Columbia Valley Fruit of Union Gap, Washington. Under the agreement, Chelan fresh will be the exclusive marketer of Columbia Valley Fruit’s organic and conventional apples. The fruit will be marketed
Ambrosia apple patent opens up
20-year U.S. patent ends on popular club variety.
Northwest pear growers predict smaller crop
Northwest pear growers are estimating a fresh crop of about 17.6 million boxes for the 2017 season, down 2 percent from last year and down 10 percent from the five-year average.
Fire leads to new way of cherry drying business
High and dry innovation by California cherry family.
Ag groups respond to Trump’s proposed budget
Here is an ongoing roundup of responses to President Donald Trump's federal budget proposal, which was released Tuesday, May 23. Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance: “We are very disappointed to see the President’s budget, released yesterday, call for draconian cuts, or even total elimination of programs that are important to
Thurlby: Looking ahead to the Northwest cherry season
In Washington, we just came through the rainiest March on record, and the view from the window tells me the season has yet to give way to what most of us would call “springtime conditions.”
Processed Pear Committee looking for public member nominations
The public member position of the Processed Pear Committee will be up for nomination during the committee's annual meeting.
The buzz is growing for Cosmic Crisp
Cosmic Crisp has been a huge topic among growers for years, and now the variety is gaining profile in the general media. National Public Radio sent a reporter to Wenatchee, Washington, to interview growers and researchers about the apple. That's helpful for Washington growers, who will have nine million Cosmic
Washington state’s Borton Fruit, Chelan Fresh to merge
Two longtime Washington state fruit companies will join forces when Chelan Fresh merges with Borton Fruit this summer.
Sorry about the label confusion
Good Fruit Grower ran a story in our April 15 issue about the Washington Apple Commission discussing uses of its apples logo and sticker.
Cider makers embrace regional variation
Bottles of cider are displayed at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Lyndonville, New York, along with an ad marketing a sense of regional flavor. Experts suggest apple growers embrace their regional differences to capitalize on the surging growth of the market the same way grape growers market wines tied
Northwest pear growers will continue marketing order
Overwhelming majorities in favor of order
Sorry about the label confusion
Good Fruit Grower ran a story in our April 15 issue about the Washington Apple Commission discussing uses of its apples logo and sticker.
Washington Apple Commission will push Galas and Red Delicious in Mexico and Asia
‘Value-added’ markets are key
Staying on top of trends and tastes : Video
For apple growers, domestic and global markets hold promising opportunities if you know what to look for.
Growers, packers meet with lawmakers
Members of the Washington Apple Commission and Columbia Fruit Packers were among a group of apple industry leaders from across the country who met with members of Congress on March 23 in Washington, D.C. The meetings were part of the U.S. Apple Association's annual fly-in. Todd Fryhover and Lindsey Huber
Lacey Lybeck, a young grower from Pasco, Washington
family background/ Lacey grew up working alongside her family on their farm Hulbert Farms and Skagit Seed Services in La Conner, Washington. age/27 grower/Pasco, Washington crops/grapes business/Vineyard Manager, Sagemoor Vineyards How did you get your start? As a recent graduate of Washington State University, I joined Ste. Michelle
Flying fruit a little easier
Canadian initiative aims to boost Okanagan fruit sales, recognition.
Medford fresh pear handler nominations set
An election for the Fresh Pear Committee handler position for Medford, Oregon, will be held March 28 in Medford, Oregon. The election for the two-year term will be at 2 p.m. at Naumes, Inc. (2 W. Barnett Street) in Medford. The position is held by Laura Naumes, with Mike Naumes and Gerald May as first and second
Processed pear handler election set for Hood River
An election for the Processed Pear Committee handler position for Oregon District No. 2 will be held March 15 in Hood River, Oregon. The election for the two-year term will be at noon at Grace Su’s China Gorge restaurant (2680 Old Columbia River Drive) in Hood River. The position is held by
Pear handler election set for Wenatchee, Washington
Pear handlers will elect nominees for the Wenatchee, Washington, district position on the Fresh Pear Committee of Marketing Order 927. The position will be filled at the Washington Pear Marketing Association meeting at noon on March 28 at the Washington Apple Commission conference room. The Apple Commission is located at 2900
New research aims to learn more about hard cider apples
Michigan State project peels away the unknowns of hard cider apples.
Sweethearts beat Bings in 2016 cherry shipping numbers
For the first year ever, Bing was not king. In 2016, Northwest cherry growers shipped more Sweetheart cherries than any other variety, including the historically dominant Bing, according to a board of directors update from the Washington State Fruit Commission. The Northwest cherry industry shipped 3.49 million 20-pound box equivalents
Where do you match consumer expectations?
Economists quantify importance of fruit qualities based on differing perspectives of producers, packers and consumers.
Growers to vote on keeping pear marketing order
Pear decision ahead for Pacific Northwest growers
Moffitt: All pears, all the time
The Pear Bureau is celebrating 85 years of promoting the beautiful and delicious pears nurtured by our growers in Washington and Oregon each year. Kevin Moffitt We employ a variety of proven and effective tools, techniques and strategies designed to increase consumer awareness and consumption of Northwest pears
Cuban farms: Making virtue from necessity
Shortages of fuel, chemicals and machinery make Cuban farms organic but not efficient.
Cuba’s next chapter? Not so fast
Politics and Cuba’s own challenges make the island a distant prospect for tree fruit growers.
Insider tips to avoid growing an $8 box of fruit
Success from tree to market
Trade questions loom as 2017 begins
Focus for the year ahead is keeping current markets open while the U.S. tree fruit industry awaits the president-elect’s actions on trade.
Moffitt: All pears, all the time
Kevin Moffitt The Pear Bureau is celebrating 85 years of promoting the beautiful and delicious pears nurtured by our growers in Washington and Oregon each year. We employ a variety of proven and effective tools, techniques and strategies designed to increase consumer awareness and consumption of Northwest pears
