In addition to the redesign of Red Tomato’s EcoCertified fruit totes and pouches, Red Tomato broadened the scope of the certification to include a variety of fruits and value-added agricultural products, providing a more cohesive and impactful brand for consumers and growers, according to a news release.

The redesigned packaging is timed for the 2024 apple season and includes paper totes, pouches, poly bags, and master cases. “The rebrand will help consumers choose EcoCertified fruit, which means they are investing in local and sustainable growing practices. EcoCertified is a promise of amazing fruit that is both local and ecologically grown,” according to the release.

EcoCertified is designed to be a grower brand, an integral part of their marketing stories, and to build a stronger, more recognizable certification that stands for sustainable, ecologically responsible farming practices.

The updated packaging will be available in stores making it easier for consumers to identify and purchase EcoCertified products. Insights from consumer research indicate a strong preference for clear, concise labeling that highlights the product’s sustainable attributes.

The most ecological farming practices differ by locale. More than 93% of U.S. certified organic apples are grown in eastern Washington. The climate in the Eastern U.S. is more rain, diseases and insects. The national organic standards do not offer viable treatments for eastern orchards
growing at a wholesale scale, according to the release.

“EcoCertified orchards are a powerful, resilient force in our region’s food system, combining the most ecological growing practices with the best of local foods,” said Angel Mendez, Red Tomato’s executive director, said in the release.

Red Tomato partnered with the Hartman Group, a marketing research firm specializing in the natural and organic grocery industry.

Keywords such as “sustainable growing practices,” “protect pollinators,” “promote tree and soil health,” and “growers care for the land, community, and earth” were instrumental in the design process. The packaging highlights the taste, ecological practices, and local sourcing that define EcoCertified. The front of the pouch proudly states, “Happy Bees. Healthy Trees. Amazing Apples.” while the back emphasizes the rigorous ecological practices that protect bees, ensure thriving orchards, and balance vital ecosystems, according to the release.

“It’s very hard for farmers to grow apples this way,” Diane Rast, Hartman’s creative director, said in the release. “I visit the farms. I have been designing for years and I know the challenge of communicating a complex idea dealing with sustainable growing practices with just a few words and a choice illustration.”

The EcoCertified program was launched in 2005, as a partnership of non-profit Red Tomato, the IPM Institute of North America and a network of farmers, scientists and fruit experts, to advance environmentally responsible growing practices for locally grown tree fruit in the Northeast.

The program’s goal is to support growers by bringing together the local and ecological growing practices, educating the public about their value, and building a market that keeps local orchards thriving and local apples abundant.

The program has certified more than 30 Northeast orchards, representing more than 2,000 acres. EcoCertified is actively expanding to new regional chapters east of the Rockies, with a focus on the Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois), Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Based in Rhode Island, Red Tomato works with partners throughout the U.S., including scientists and farmer networks, regional and national grocery stores, K-12 schools, community-based nonprofits, and other vendors. In addition to apples, Red Tomato also works with tomatoes and other vegetables.

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The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) named Baker, president of United Apple Sales LLC , as chair for the 2024-25 term.

Baker succeeds 2023-24 USApple chair Steve Clement, CEO of PNW Tree Fruit in Yakima, Washington.

The gavel was officially passed from Clement to Baker at USApple’s Aug. 14-16 board of directors meeting in Chicago at the completion of its Outlook conference on Friday, the show’s last day.

Raised on a fruit and vegetable farm in Ransomville, New York, near the shores of Lake Ontario north of Buffalo, New York, Baker follows a unique legacy, both in the apple business and in this esteemed industry leadership role, according to a news release.

Also located close to Lake Ontario, United grows and ships a large number of varieties of conventional apples and pears as well as organic Golden Delicious, Crispin and Ida Red apples.

In addition to Baker, other USApple’s 2024-25 elected board officers include:

• Vice chair: Steve Smith, vice president, marketing, Washington Fruit, Yakima, Washington
• Secretary: Philip Glaize III, head of operations/sales, Glaize Apples, Winchester, Virginia
• Treasurer: Kaari Stannard, president & CEO, New York Apple Sales, Glenmont, New York
• Immediate Past Chair: Steve Clement

Baker’s father, Paul Baker, was chair of USApple in 1989.

“This is a pivotal time to have someone with Brett’s experience and deep-rooted passion for agriculture at the helm of our board of directors,” Jim Bair, USApple’s president and CEO, said in the release. “His leadership will be essential to driving innovation and addressing challenges.”

Prior to joining the Lyndonville, New York-based United Apple Sales in 2010, Baker graduated from Cornell in 1999 and spent a handful of years on the family farm. Then, he went into the grocery retail business with Aldi for nine years.

“It’s an honor to be elected as the chair of USApple,” Baker said in the release. “I am committed to continuing the work of my predecessors – including my own late father – to advocate for our industry, foster innovation, and overcome the challenges we face. As an industry working together, we can enact meaningful change through USApple.”

PNW Tree Fruit is associated with Sage Fruit, which grows, ships and markets conventional apples, pears, cherries and stone fruit and organic apples and pears.

United grows and ships a large number of varieties of conventional apples and pears as well as organic Golden Delicious, Crispin and Ida Red apples.

USApple is a national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. USApple’s members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and $23 billion in economic activity.

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Michigan is forecast to harvest 30.5 million bushels, which equates to 1.3 billion pounds, of apples during the 2024-25 calendar year, according to the Michigan Apple Committee.

That’s slightly lower than last year, when the state’s growers harvested 31.9 million bushels of apples, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Average annual crop size is approximately 25.9 million bushels.

Michigan’s official crop estimate was announced on Aug. 16 as part of the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago. The 2024 estimate is above average for the Michigan apple industry, according to a news release.

“It is unusual to have three large crops in a row,” Diane Smith, the committee’s executive director, said in the release. “However, as growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop sizes will increase, and we will continue to see these larger crops.”

Warmer than normal temperatures in late winter and early spring caused buds to form early, leading to earlier bloom in May. Growers were fortunate this year to not experience significant frost and freeze events after that early bloom, meaning a plentiful crop being harvested about 10 days earlier than usual, according to the release.

“Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples,” Smith said in the release. “They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions. Michigan growers are committed to bringing the best quality fruit to the consumer.”

Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather, bloom conditions and tree health. To make the estimate, growers and other industry experts report on what they are seeing in various regions of the state, then come to a consensus on the crop size estimate.

Michigan Apples are available nearly year-round from August to June. The largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state can be found at about 150 farm markets and cider mills in Michigan as well as more than 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S., according to Smith.

According to the USDA, there are more than 14.9 million apple trees in Michigan commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.

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After record production last year, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according the USApple report released at the organization’s Aug. 14-16 annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.

The Outlook Report is based on recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.

USApple’s prediction differs from USDA’s forecast, which forecasts apple growers to produce 282 million bushels for the 2024/25 CY, a 2% decrease compared to 2023-24 .

USApple states the figures are more comprehensive than USDA data, which only examine the top seven apple-producing states.

USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds their production back into USDA’s figures, according to a news release.

It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day, according to the release.

“Growers from across the U.S. are reporting the crop quality is excellent,” Chris Gerlach, the report’s author and USApple’s vice president of insights and analytics, said in a news release.

“Despite various challenges, the resilience and dedication of our growers have led to another promising year for apple production,” Gerlach said in the release. “The data we’ve gathered not only highlights the strength of our industry, but also underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability in ensuring a bountiful harvest.”

Varietal mix

At the varietal level, Galas are expected to retain the top spot with more than 48 million bushels produced. The following is a listing of the top five varieties’ share of the market:

• Gala (17%)
• Red Delicious (12.3%)
• Granny Smith (10%)
• Honeycrisp (9.8%)
• Fuji (9.4%)

In general, the varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady/Cripps Pink and Cosmic Crisp. Fuji, Rome and “other” varieties have remained relatively consistent compared to 2019/20 production volumes. Varieties on the decline include Gala and Red Delicious, according to the release.

“We still see strong Honeycrisp production, but it’s tempered this year,” Gerlach said in the release. “With volumes aligning more closely with Gala and Red Delicious, we may see production levels stabilize rather than increase dramatically in the future.”

Trade

According to USDA trade data, fresh apple exports totaled 46.4 million bushels in the 2023/24 CY). This is around 14 million bushels higher than 2022/23 export levels – an astonishing 44% year-over-year increase, according to the release.

During the same period, fresh apple imports dropped by around one million bushels, a 15% decline. The joint effects of increasing exports and decreasing imports caused the already net positive fresh apple trade balance to grow to more than 42 million bushels.

The surge in fresh apple exports is largely attributed to the abundant domestic supply, competitive pricing abroad, and favorable positive trade policies, according to the release.

“Thanks to the removal of previously imposed tariffs on our apples, exports to India are up nearly 4,000% year over year. We are optimistic that this critical market will continue to grow in volume and value,” Gerlach said in the release.

After the presentation of USDA’s numbers, USApple members at the Chicago meeting met in-person to discuss current growing conditions to formulate a more up-to-date production estimate.

The final USApple 2024/25 crop year forecast is an adjustment of the USDA numbers based on those conversations, according to the release.

Global production

According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production surpassed 5 billion bushels for the first time in 2022 (the latest available datapoint).

In 2022, China alone was responsible for producing 2.5 billion bushels, around half of the world’s total supply. In 2021, Turkey overtook the U.S. to become the world’s second largest apple producer and maintained that spot in 2022, even widening the gap between us (with 253 million bushels, 5% of world production). The U.S., in the third spot, was credited with 232 million bushels and 4.6% of world production. Rounding out the top five were Poland (4.4%) and India (2.7%).

USApple’s Industry Outlook 2024 provides data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade. Authored by Gerlach, the report takes an in-depth look at the trends and forces, from political headwinds to weather events, that shape the U.S. apple industry.

Launched in 2022, USApple’s Newton Database & Dashboard is a one-stop-shop for apple-related statistics. Newton consolidates data from USApple and multiple USDA sources in to one place, providing users updated information on apple production, utilization, trade, prices, storages, movement, economic impacts and more. The USApple member benefit gives users the ability to view preset reports or create custom queries for download, according to the release.

USApple is a national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. USApple’s members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and $23 billion in economic activity.

The conference is in its 129th year.

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The marketers of the SweeTango apple variety are forecasting this year’s harvest to bring a fifth more production.

In a crowded apple market, it’s now retailers’ chance to impress shoppers with the most exciting apple — the trademarked SweeTango variety, according to a news release from the Next Big Thing, an Emmas, Pennsylvania, growers’ cooperative that promotes the variety.

“This harvest, growers forecast a longer season, with 20% more apples compared to prior years,” according to the release. “Growers also report apples will be bigger, juicier, and better in bulk, but whether supplying in bags or stacking them on the shelves, they’ll have a selection for any retailer’s needs.”

Stemilt Growers’ Brianna Shales is optimistic about the harvest.

“We’re harvesting and packing SweeTango apples in Washington State, and excited about the volume and quality we are seeing so far in the new crop,” Shales said in the release. “SweeTango consistently ranks in the top 10 apple varieties in October, which is one of the biggest apple promotion months each year. With increased volumes of SweeTango, we can delight SweeTango fans even longer with additional promotions and activity at the point of sale into the winter months that will highlight its fantastic crunch and honey-sweet flavor.”

SweeTango apples are available conventionally and organic.

One is never enough. SweeTango’s “superfan” base can’t resist the sweet, citrusy, and honey-spiced flavor, plus the apple’s award-winning crunch. Whether eaten fresh and whole, sliced and spread with almond butter, or to elevate a charcuterie plate, SweeTango meets any occasion. Dedicated shoppers have affirmed the apple as a proven winner for retailers, and will be rushing for more this season, according to the release.

“SweeTango is an apple that sells itself,” Shelby Miller of Applewood Fresh said in the release. “It hits all 5 senses, from premium taste to strong shelf appeal, it is that consistency consumers look forward to year after year.”

Kaari Stannard of New York’s Yes! Apples shares her insight.

“Especially now that school’s back in session, SweeTangos are in high demand as the perfect snack for kid’s lunches,” Stannard said in the release. “Parents always come back for more because their kids actually finish them. Everyone will be filling their carts with crisp, sweet, and zesty, so stock up to keep customers smiling.”

According to growers, they will start shipping from across the country shortly after Labor Day. There’s no better time to supply shoppers with their favorite — in tandem with the brand’s coordinated, coast-to-coast marketing and sales support, according to the release.

SweeTango’s top priority is to reach new consumers with in-store activations.

“Our season is starting earlier and sticking around longer, and we’ve been growing to match that demand. We are here to help retail create excitement around SweeTango to drive sales and build customer loyalty,” Brian Coates, Applewood Fresh’s vice president, said in the release.

To alert long-time fans that SweeTangos are back in the market, while also creating awareness among new fans, the brand invests in digital video advertisements geo-targeted to SweeTango retailers’ markets. A store locator on the brand’s website, SweeTango.com, helps consumers find SweeTango retailers near them.

SweeTango boasts a strong social media presence across platforms, which the brand uses to activate its loyal fanbase. Efforts are aligned to activate a wider range audience, including Millennial and Gen Z consumers who love consistent and exceptional apples, and are known to remain dedicated to brands they believe in, according to the release.

“We’re excited about our new packaging design that will absolutely engage shoppers. Our range of package options meets any of your store’s needs for both conventional and organic apples,” Jen Miller, Next Big Thing’s executive director, said in the release

“Even more exciting, we’ll be launching a new packaging-focused social campaign this season to promote engagement with our brand in stores, making sure that all SweeTango fans stay in-the-know about where to find and buy their favorite apple. That means your stores can anticipate more demand than ever.”

The Next Big Thing’s 50 family growers grow the variety in five time zones from Nova Scotia to Washington state. The co-op licenses, grows and markets premium and managed varieties of apples, beginning with SweeTango.

— Top photo courtesy of KC Bailey

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The association is projecting the 2024 apple harvest at 124 million forty-pound boxes.

The estimate signals a return to historical norms after two years of volatility, with expectations of exceptional fruit quality across all varieties, according to a news release.

“There is a lot of excitement as we are seeing a more normal harvest and excellent fruit quality this year,” Jon DeVaney, WSTFA president, said in the release.

DeVaney credited the moderate spring and warm early summer for creating stable growing conditions, which have allowed growers to produce the size, color, and flavor that have made Washington apples famous.

Among the most popular varietals, Gala apples will lead the crop at 19% of production, followed by Granny Smith at 14.5%, Red Delicious at 13%, Honeycrisp at 12%, and Fuji at 10.5%. The Cosmic Crisp, developed by Washington State University specifically for the region, continues to grow in popularity, representing 9% of this year’s crop.

Organic apples are also on the rise, making up nearly 16% of the total harvest. Washington remains the nation’s leader in organic apple production, with more than 90% of the U.S. supply grown in the state, according to the release.

“Apples are synonymous with Washington state, and we are known for producing the world’s finest apples,” Derek Sandison, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said in the release. “The 2024 crop is not only crucial to the state’s economy, generating $2 billion in 2022 alone, but also to its global reputation as a top apple producer.”

The WSTFA’s forecast, based on a survey of its members, is subject to change as the harvest progresses from August through November.

For a detailed look at the 2024 apple forecast, visit Washington State Tree Fruit Association.

Read the full news release and watch a video in which WSTFA’s DeVaney discusses the 2024 Apple Forecast.

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The survey’s purpose is aimed at gathering vital production data to provide Congress, media and buyers information on the cider industry, according to a news release.

Participants are asked to provide information on sales, staffing and production. To share information, complete the online survey.

The survey, which takes about 30 minutes to complete, ensures privacy by aggregating and anonymizing responses through a third party.

For more information, visit American Cider Association’s website.

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CROP PROGRESS

Peach harvesting continues, with early pear and apple harvests also underway. Premier Honeycrisp and Wildfire Galas will mature in the next couple of weeks. “Stop-drop materials can be very useful to manage harvest windows during this early season, especially if color is a concern,” advises Lindsay Brown of MSU Extension.

Gingergold apples, sampled in Kent County, are nearing maturity, developing a nice blush but still tasting slightly starchy. Paulared apples are mature and being harvested this week, though some show signs of watercore. Zestar! apples, also sampled in Kent County, are set for harvest this week.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

MSU Extension recommends continuing control measures for bitter rot and black rot and staying vigilant for sooty blotch and flyspeck, which are now visible. Cherry leaf spot is widespread, leading to early defoliation in some orchards. Bacterial canker of stone fruits is also a concern this season, causing “shot hole” in leaves and brown lesions on fruit.

INSECT ACTIVITY

Codling moth populations are declining as the second generation of adults finish their egg deposition. Obliquebanded leafroller and oriental fruit moth populations are present but in low numbers. MSU Extension advises monitoring for fruit damage and leaf skeletonization from Japanese beetles and rose chafers.

MSU’s full update is available online.

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The Michigan Apple Committee-sponsored event was July 30 in Sparta, Michigan.

The summit brought together seven leaders in the Michigan apple industry to learn the latest trends and best practices across social media channels and platforms, enabling them to create compelling grower-generated content showcasing their unique stories.

Ultimately, the individuals will use this knowledge and expertise to promote their own businesses as well as the Michigan Apple industry, as online ambassadors, according to a news release.

“The Handpicked Social Media Summit has been in our plans for a while and we were finally able to begin implementing it last year,” Diane Smith, the committee’s executive director, said in the release. “Our target consumer is interested in knowing the faces behind the foods they eat. Growers as brand ambassadors provide consumers a behind-the-scenes look at orchards, production and Michigan apple growing families. We are thrilled at how our vision has become a reality over the last two years.”

Participants engaged in expert-led sessions where they learned to use social media to promote their apples, build brand awareness, and engage with customers in new and exciting ways.

Tips on photography and videography, and best practices for posting were shared with the group.

The seven “Handpicked” Michigan Apple industry representatives at the 2nd Annual Handpicked Social Media Summit were Denny Alt, Megan Barlow, Laura Herrygers, Theresa Kober, Mike Wells, Robyn Schultz, and Emily Kropf.

Based in Lansing, Michigan, the Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.

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There is a team of us that operate more than 300 acres. I, my wife Julie, my father Lenny Jr., farm managing partner Andrew, and a lot of great seasonal help are involved. Our three children each help with daily tasks: Lydia (7) helps with customers in the market, Leo (5) tends to the animals and Tucker (2) keeps us in smiles all day.

We also have a roadside market and “pick your own” operation.

Roadside market offers diversity

In addition to seasonal fruits and vegetables, the market offers a variety of products such as bedding plants in the spring, a large selection of home-grown animal feed year- round and winter storage crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, cabbage and apples. We also carry honey from several local apiaries and a large selection of canned goods, jams and jellies.

During the summer months, the market is packed with all kinds of fruit and vegetables — especially our sweet corn. 

Plus, our pick your own operation has adapted crops to meet the needs of local residents and now consists of a variety of peppers, corn, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, cabbage and squash.

Business does matter 

Over the years, we have learned that being able to juggle the paperwork that comes with running a business — payroll, accounting and current regulations — along with the daily general farm work, is a task in itself, and that keeping all of these things current and organized must be a priority.

Keeping up with current guidelines and requirements is also essential for the value seen by both inspectors and customers alike. 

Staying ahead and being prepared for what is to come helps keep things running smoothly. We have found that the ability to properly manage all aspects of the business could be a determining factor for success or failure.

Customer satisfaction 

We know that listening to customer requests plays a large role in the retention and expansion of our customer base. Making customers believe that they have been heard and their needs met helps bring them back frequently and leave with a positive experience they want to share with friends and family. Our ability to supply an ever- changing demand in the fresh produce industry has led us to more customers and a larger market.

Collaboration 

Working with neighboring farmers as friends is also a crucial part of our success. There are plenty of mouths for all of us to feed in today’s world that we need to lift each other up when we can.

Share in hard times and plentiful times. Large or small, conventional or organic — we need to work together for a better future for agriculture. 

We believe that the future for agriculture, both large- and small-scale, is bright if you are willing to maintain the important old traditions and keep an open mind to modern advancement and changes in your operation.

Burger’s Farm was settled on our land in 1889. So much has changed since then, except our dirt. That will remain while our generation is here to farm it, and hopefully many generations to come

Written by Leonard Burger, Burger’s Farm 

Lenny Burgess III is part of the five generations of success at Burger’s Farm and a member of the Fruit + Vegetable Class of 2023 40 Under Forty honorees. For more information, visit Burger’s Farm at burgersfarm.webnode.page.

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