Tree Fruit Industry Continues To Persevere Despite Challenges

This is a tough time in the tree fruit industry.  Input costs are high, there’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to trade and markets, but the biggest challenge is Ag labor.

In years past, finding the bodies was the biggest hurdle for growers to overcome.  Now, it's the cost, with latest figures showing over 95% of a farm's income goes to labor costs.

Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington state Tree Fruit Association, said growers, as a group and individually, need to have an honest conversation about being able to meet expenses now and over time.

"That sometimes is an uncomfortable thing for growers to talk about," DeVaney said.  "Their crops are like their kids.  They invest a lot of time and love in them.  And then to say some of it is going to have to be left behind on the tree. It's just not going to be profitable is a really hard thing to do.”

DeVaney pointed out that in his recent conversations with growers, many are talking about viable economic strategies, and honestly assessing where they are and where they are going.  While the economic climate is a challenging one, DeVaney says there are reasons to be encouraged, if not optimistic.

"But we're seeing some positive policy changes, like those reforms to H-2A that I mentioned.  We're seeing advancements in technology that are going to make automation assists, not necessarily to the point of having full automation of everything yet, for sure, but greater labor efficiency that will allow cost reductions and long-term sustainability with smart investments.”

DeVaney noted that while many growers are struggling financially, most are confident that better days will come.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com