With apple consumption on a downward trend in Ontario, Chris Hedges, a farmer in Norfolk County, highlights the advantages of local produce. Hedges, managing 750 acres of apple orchards in Vanessa and Delhi, emphasizes the environmental impact of imports. "The carbon footprint of an imported apple is substantial," he states.
Hedges argues that Ontario-grown apples offer economic and quality benefits. "It's likely cheaper at the store than the imported one, it's had less travel time, it's fresher," he notes. He adds that despite storage, local apples experience less movement, potentially enhancing quality and flavor. Supporting local produce also benefits the community, according to Hedges, who chairs the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG), representing around 200 commercial growers. "There's no doubt the spinoff and the overall economic benefit of buying local far exceeds buying something imported," he says.
Ontario's apple industry contributes approximately $120 million annually, with 15 varieties cultivated over nearly 6,475 hectares. While some apples are exported, the majority are consumed locally. "Generally speaking, Ontario remains an importer of fruit," Hedges explains, noting that export opportunities are season-dependent. Favorable weather in foreign markets can satisfy their demand, but adverse conditions elsewhere can allow Ontario growers to capitalize on exports.
Hedges cultivates Ontario's top apple varieties by acreage, including Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia. However, traditional varieties like MacIntosh, Empire, and Red Delicious are seeing reduced domestic consumption, though they maintain appeal overseas. In rural areas like Norfolk, consumers can purchase apples directly from farms, a connection less accessible to urban shoppers. Hedges points out that the variety of new apple options might be confusing consumers.
Source: Cimcoe Reformer