October 2020 - 1

Perdue outlines
specialty crop trade
policy in Michigan stop
Annual awards
program recognizes
the next generation of
leaders
12
1A
21
Rutgers professor
names 'Vasanna'
cranberry for parents
October 2020 | Volume 59 |
Issue 10
HOLDING
STEADY
Apple crop forecast down
slightly despite challenges
By Gary Pullano
Managing Editor
Despite obstacles brought about by a global
pandemic, continuing labor challenges and
damaging weather events, the U.S. Apple
Association estimates the 2020 crop at 253.31
million 42-pound cartons.
The association's forecast essentially
equaled the USDA's August estimate of
253.57 million cartons, 3% less than the 2019
crop and 2% below the five-year average.
" The apple industry faced many challenges
this past year, but rose to meet every one of
them, " said U.S. Apple President and CEO
Jim Bair (see USApple column, Page 29).
" Growers and apple businesses weathered
the confluence of a perfect storm this past
year and came out the other side, which is a
testament to our members. "
Mark Seetin, director of regulatory and
industry affairs for USApple, remained
optimistic about the 2020 outlook despite
numerous challenges.
" Marketing the 2020 crop will be
a challenge, but the industry has
demonstrated the ability to handle larger
crops, " Seetin said during the U.S. Apple
U.S. APPLE PRODUCTION (MILLION BUSHELS)
2016
2017
2018
2020
2019
270.9
271.6
256.1
262
253.3
Source: U.S. Apple Association
Photos: Gary Pullano
Outlook Conference, held virtually for the
first time Aug. 20-21. " The projected size
of the 2020 crop puts it well within the size
range that they have successfully marketed. "
Seetin said, " marketing the 2020 crop
represents some unique challenges:
* " The export market is still affected
by trade tensions and COVID-19.
* " Additional domestic challenges
continue until a reliable vaccine
allows a return to normalcy.
* " Opportunities exist, as well,
including expanding production of
new varieties aimed at consumer
preferences, and pursuit of
innovative marketing programs. "
In the East, growers reported spring frosts
that impacted New York's Hudson Valley
and parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia that
reduced the bloom on many varieties.
The 2020 New York crop estimate of
32 million cartons is 3.3% higher than the
USDA average, 2% higher than the 2019
crop and 1% above the five-year average.
Growers said the New York production
was tracking normal to a few days early,
and indicated the final crop volume will be
determined by sizing.
The Pennsylvania crop estimate came
in at 8.5 million cartons, down 15% from
the USDA August estimate, 30% below the
2019 crop and 29% lower than the fiveyear
average. Timing on early varieties
were seven to 10 days later than 2019.
The Virginia crop estimate from USApple
is 3.8 million cartons, level with USDA's
August estimate, down 16% from a year
ago and off 20% from the five-year average.
Virginia harvest timing was lagging about
seven days later than normal.
In Michigan, USApple's estimate of
22.5 million cartons was 2.7% above the
USDA's August estimate, unchanged from
a year ago and 8% below the five-year
average. Quality of Michigan apples was
expected strong, growers indicated.
" Growers used many tools to prevent
damage from frost in early May, " Diane
Smith, executive director of the Michigan
Apple Committee, said in a news release.
See OUTLOOK, page 6
October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2020
