Ontario apple consumption is experiencing a downturn, according to Chris Hedges, a Norfolk County apple farmer. Hedges, who farms 750 acres in Vanessa and Delhi, highlights the benefits of purchasing Ontario-grown apples. He notes that imported apples have a larger carbon footprint, while local apples are often more affordable and fresher due to reduced travel time.
Hedges, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG), emphasizes the economic benefits of supporting local agriculture. He notes, "There's no doubt the spinoff and the overall economic benefit of buying local far exceeds buying something imported." The province's apple industry contributes around $120 million annually, with 15 varieties cultivated on nearly 16,000 acres.
Although some Ontario apples are exported, most are consumed locally. Export opportunities are season-dependent, as favorable weather in international markets may reduce demand for Ontario apples. However, a poor harvest abroad, coupled with a strong local yield, allows Ontario growers to export at favorableHedges cultivates popular varieties such as Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia, while legacy varieties like MacIntosh, Empire, and Red Delicious see declining domestic consumption but maintain some international appeal. In rural areas like Norfolk, consumers can purchase apples directly from farms, but reaching urban consumers requires efforts like social media and in-store branding.
Hedges expresses concern over declining per-capita apple consumption. He suggests that the variety of apples available might confuse consumers, leading them to choose other fruits. Additionally, rising costs for fuel and fertilizer, coupled with global trade uncertainties, are impacting growers. "We're spending a lot more money growing the crop than we have in the past, and I would say that we're not achieving the returns from the marketplace to cover those increases," Hedges states.
Despite these challenges, Hedges remains optimistic about the future of Ontario's apples. He believes they will continue to be a staple and stresses the need for legislative support to ensure economic sustainability in apple production.
Source: Penticton Herald