Washington apple crop pegged at 131 million boxes
Washington’s 2017 fresh apple crop won’t let buyers down.
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Yakima, reported its first forecast of the state’s 2017 fresh apple crop is 130.9 million 40-pound boxes, down 1.2% from 2016’s 132.9 million box crop.
“The 2017 Washington state apple crop looks to be slightly smaller than last year’s crop but will still deliver an ample supply of tasty apples for consumers to enjoy this year,” Jon DeVaney, association president, said in a news release. “Harvest is starting a few weeks later than last year, and growers anticipate a crop of good quality fruit.”
The forecast said that red delicious will account for 24% of total fresh production, with gala at 22.5% and fuji at 14%. Behind fuji, granny smith will make up 13% of production, and Honeycrisp at 8% and cripps pink at 5%.
Washington apple harvest typically begins in August and continues into November.
