Quebec is welcoming a large apple crop this season. "Last year we had a frost at bloom time so a lot of the orchards had a very small crop," says Hubert Philion of Philion Orchards. "Generally a big crop follows a small crop. With plums, pears, and apples– it's a big year for all of them." Some reports indicate Quebec's crop is the largest in 15 years.
Add to that the fact that Quebec experienced a mild winter this year. "The growing season was a hot, wet, and muggy summer, and that brought some fungus challenges. The season is also close to seven to 10 days earlier than normal though I think we will finish at more or less the same time because I was able to have a little more labor to help me harvest the crop," he says.
Right now, Philion Orchards is coming to the end of its Ginger Gold harvest but is working on harvesting the McIntosh, Lobo, and Honeycrisp varieties and it's starting Smitten and Gala varieties as well.
Other growing regions
Philion is hoping local Quebec demand will be strong and grow though he notes that this season, some packers were importing Gala apples from New Zealand–a variety that grows not only in Canada but the U.S. as well. "It's nothing against New Zealand. It's just environmental awareness that should make us think about importing from closer countries. It's ridiculous and I'd prefer importing if we need to from the U.S.," he says. "Though with food, money rules. Instead of taking care of our agriculture and avoiding food wastage, it's about money."
With that in mind, it's anticipated that pricing on Quebec apples will be lower this year given the ample supply available. "I think pricing will also stay low for a while."
That said, there's optimism around fruit growing in Quebec. Along with apples, the region is starting to grow pears and more and more plums as well.
For more information:
Hubert Philion
Philion Orchards
Tel: +1 (450) 247-3133
[email protected]
https://vergersphilion.com/