While Not A Record Year 2016 Still Good for Northwest Apple Industry

While it was not the record crop expected earlier in the season, 2016 turned out to be a good year for northwest apple growers.  Northwest Farm Credit Service's Michael Stolp said there were some challenges in 2016’s crop, the second largest on record.

“Quality issues and larger fruit sized posed problems for older varieties, however prices for newer varieties are strong supported by consumer demand."

Stolp adds profitability is strong for producers whose manifest matches domestic consumer demand.  Conversely, producers with lower quality fruit or dated varieties and strains may be challenged to generate profits this season.  The industry, he added is cautiously optimistic.  Stolp said as low-quality fruit is marketed, higher quality fruit prices could increase.

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