2022 Washington apple crop estimate dips 11.1% from 2021 crop output
The Washington fresh apple crop is projected at 108.7 million standard 40-pound boxes, an 11.1% decrease from 2021’s 122.3 million boxes, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
“We are pleased with the size of the harvest, particularly in the face of a long, cold spring,” Jon DeVaney, president of the association, said in a news release. “Growing seasons are never the same, and currently, many WSTFA members are still evaluating the impact of prolonged cold weather and ongoing crop development. Weather is always a factor, and some varieties still have several months of growth ahead. However, our members are to be congratulated for once again managing this uncertainty to deliver a strong harvest for the benefit of our state, country and, ultimately, the world.”
Despite the overall crop decline, emerging varieties and organic production continue to grow in importance as a share of the overall crop, reflecting increased consumer preference, according to the release.
The organic forecast for 2022 is 14.4 million boxes, or 13% of the total harvest, according to the release. Not all organic production is packed and marketed as organic, though.
The estimate shows that five popular apple varieties make up the majority of the harvest.
Gala leads production at 20% of overall fresh volume, with red delicious and Honeycrisp each projected at 14%, according to the release. Granny smith volume is projected at 13.4%, with fuji at 12.7% of total production.
Cosmic Crisp, a proprietary varietal grown only in Washington, continues to grow in its share of the total crop, according to the release. This year, Cosmic Crisp is 4.6% of the harvest, up from 3.2% last year.
“The strong harvest estimate for these varieties, which have been popular with domestic and international consumers, is good news,” DeVaney said in the release. “Apples are synonymous with Washington state, and our members are set to deliver another year of high-quality and delicious fruit.”
About 30% of the Washington apple crop is exported, with the state’s apples sold in over 40 countries, according to the release. Apples represented 20% of Washington’s farm-gate agricultural value in 2020, the release said.
The apple harvest estimate is based on a survey of WSTFA members and represents the best forecast of the total volume of apples that will eventually be packed and sold on the fresh market (excluding produce sent to processors). Apple harvest typically begins in August and continues into November, and as a result, this forecast is still subject to several months of variable weather, which can affect the final harvest total, according to the release.
The USDA reports average fob prices for conventional Washington apples averaged $27.75 per carton in August this year, up from $27.35 per carton in July but down slightly from $30.38 per carton in August 2021.
