Aug 13, 2024

Washington apple forecast predicts return to normal with exceptional quality

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) is characterizing this year’s harvest as a promising outlook.

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.