The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) released its forecast for the 2024 Washington state fresh apple crop today. The crop is estimated at 124 million standard forty-pound boxes of fresh apples. This forecast represents a return to the recent historic norms after two unusual years. The 2020 Washington apple crop was 122.5 million boxes, followed by 122.9 million in 2021. Cool and wet weather in 2022 caused a smaller crop of 103.9 million, and then a much larger "rebound" crop in 2023 of 136.1 million boxes. This year, moderate weather has helped growers deliver a robust crop with high quality across all varietals. The forecast also reveals a continuing trend of higher overall numbers of organic apples and new varietals, including Cosmic Crisp®.
"There is a lot of excitement as we are seeing a more normal harvest and excellent fruit quality this year," said Jon DeVaney, WSTFA President. "A moderate spring and a warm early summer created stable growing conditions, so our domestic and foreign customers can expect the flavour, size, colour, and overall high quality that make Washington apples famous. The harvest is underway now, and I congratulate our growers for producing another great crop."
The WSTFA forecast includes growth in the five most popular varietals. Gala is number one at 19% of production, followed by Granny Smith at 14.5%, Red Delicious at 13%, Honeycrisp at 12%, and Fuji at 10.5%.
Cosmic Crisp®, developed as WA-38 by Washington State University specifically for Eastern Washington's growing conditions, is anticipated to be 9% of this year's crop, which represents significant growth in popularity for the new varietal which was introduced in 2019 and was 1% of the harvest in 2020 and 6% of the crop in 2023. Cripps Pink is forecast to be nearly 7% of the forecasted crop, with Envy and Golden Delicious both at approximately 3.5%, and Ambrosia at 2%. All other varieties represent about 6%.
Organic apples represent nearly 16% of this year's crop, up from 11% of the crop five years ago, a sign that Washington growers are keeping up with consumer demand for organic apples. Washington state generates more than 90% of the nation's organic apple production. Organic apples are grown, packed, and marketed according to USDA National Organic Program standards and WSTFA members continue to lead in this segment. "Our growers work hard to deliver the apples that consumers want and enjoy, and for many consumers that includes organics," added DeVaney.
Washington apples are sold around the world and are a strong mover in domestic grocery. They are also vital to the state's economy and are Washington's leading agricultural commodity. Apples represented 16% ($2 billion) of the state's total farm-gate agricultural value in 2022. Nearly 30% percent of the harvest is exported.
For more information:
Washington State Tree Fruit Association
www.wstfa.org