Fruits

Washington releases apple industry economic impact study

The Washington Apple Commission has released an economic impact study on the effect the state's apple industry has on the area. Washington’s apple industry is a major contributor of income, employment and tax revenues to... more »

Growers get one more year of Guthion

Federal regulators will allow fruit growers to use the insecticide Guthion for an additional year.EPA said Thursday the extension is due to higher-than-normal stocks of the organophosphate chemical in grower hands because of crop losses... more »

Farm bureau and state officials blast ‘heavy handed’ federal labor investigations

In late July, investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor visited three blueberry farms in Marion County and announced finding "widespread"record-keeping and minimum wage violations at each.Farm labor law investigations are often contentious, especially involving... more »

Apple growers suggest customers come early this year

Local apple growers are urging residents and visitors to come early this year if they want to enjoy the limited crop of fresh apples before they’re gone.Warm weather in late winter followed by freezing spring... more »

Starch chart for Honeycrisp apple fruit

Ines Hanrahan of the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission has recently developed a starch chart for Honeycrisp apples (see figure). The starch index ranges from 1 to 6 on this chart, which differs from... more »

Romney rally draws thousands to Michigan cider mill

An enthusiastic crowd of thousands greeted Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan at Long Family Orchard Farm and Cider Mill in Commerce Township Friday.Romney made a point to remind Michiganders that... more »

New tree fruit that is hybrid of peach, apricot and plum catching on in Calif.

According to an article in the Fresno Bee, a California grower/breeder is selling a new variety of tree fruit that's a hybrid of peach, apricot and plum at farmers' markets. The peacotum has been around... more »

Michigan grower finding more apples than first thought.

At least one Michigan orchard reports having more apples than they had anticipated.King Orchards in Kewadin, Mich. said they are finding more fruit than first thought but are worried that the news won't get to... more »