APPLES Eric Roossinck of Roossinck Fruit Storage discussed his farm's production priorities during the event. Photos by Gary Pullano. Meeting the challenge Grower game plan highlights Ridgefest discussions BY GARY PULLANO CONTRIBUTING WRITER A t the 13th annual Ridgefest near Fremont, Michigan, some new age marketing approaches combined with innovative orchard production techniques were showcased during the Aug. 1 event sponsored by the Michigan Pomesters. Included for the Michigan apple 8 | DECEMBER 2024 growers summer gathering was a tour of a farm operated by Eric Roossinck of Roossinck Fruit Storage. The operation farms about 500 acres in various locations. " As a grower, when I look at our operation and the challenges we have, two things come to my mind right off the top - labor and consumption, " Roossinck told those gathered for the event. While Roossinck is rolling with the punches amid what many view as an ongoing farm labor crisis, he also recognizes the need to stabilize demand for the crops he grows. The Apple Consumption Project is a national effort to increase sales of apples. Its organizers presented the concept to Michigan growers as a main focus of this year's Ridgefest.