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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 |
Sponsored Newspapers In Education Content
Apples make up over 20 percent of the value of
Washington’s agricultural production. The Washington
apple crop alone supports 39,000 direct jobs and
21,000 indirect jobs to support industries such as
transportation and packing supplies. Washington
produces approximately two-thirds of the apples grown
in the United States, with nearly one-third of the state’s
crop being exported overseas each year. National and
international customers mean money and jobs here
in Washington!
Washington’s apple growers remain competitive with
producers in other states or countries by adopting the
latest technology. Even though some competitors have
fewer regulatory requirements, lower labor costs and
lower transportation costs due to proximity, Washington
growers can produce more, higher-quality fruit per acre.
Washington growers
are pioneers in
shifting to orchards
that are planted with
greater amounts of
smaller trees grown
on wire trellises.
This method has
enabled Washington
orchards to produce
crops that are more
than 50 percent larger
than they were 20
years ago, even as the number of acres in orchards has
remained relatively constant. Smaller trees make it
easier for harvest workers to pick the fruit quickly using
fewer ladders, which means fewer accidents. Thinner
and more uniform trees also make it easier to detect
and control pests that may infest an orchard and destroy
crops. Growers can then more carefully target pesticides
exactly where they need to go, reducing the total
amount of these products that need to be used.
Apple growers have adopted alternative pest control
methods such as the use of insect pheromones to
confuse pests and prevent them from reproducing,
or the release of beneficial insects that prey on those
that damage crops. This coordinated approach to pest
control is known as Integrated Pest Management
or IPM, and can reduce risks to the environment in
addition to saving growers money.
Not only are Washington apple growers finding new
and better ways to grow their crops, they are also
transitioning to new varieties that better meet changing
consumer tastes. Just sixteen years ago, more than two-
thirds of Washington apples were of just two varieties—
Red and Golden Delicious. Today, less than one-third
of the state’s apples are of these two varieties. Instead,
consumers are offered choices that include Fuji, Gala,
Honeycrisp and many more. Researchers at Washington
State University (WSU) are developing new varieties
specifically tailored to growing conditions in our state
and designed to provide the eating experience sought
by customers.
Washington apple producers have made significant
advances, but additional research is needed to be
prepared for future challenges. In addition to the annual
assessments that apple growers pay to the Washington
Tree Fruit Research Commission to fund agricultural
research, in 2011 apple and pear growers voted to tax
themselves an additional $27 million in order to support
ongoing research and education efforts to ensure the
quality, efficiency and sustainability of Washington’s
fruit growers. Cherry growers add a further $5 million
for a total contribution of $32 million from the tree fruit
industry. Overall, the funds raised by the farmers made
up the largest donation ever to WSU’s endowment!
Washington’s farmers and ranchers are working to
ensure that our crops, people and economy continue to
flourish now and for years to come.
Photo credit: Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission
Washington Tree Fruit
n
25% of an apple’s volume is air.
That’s why it floats!
n
It takes the energy from 50 apple tree leaves
to produce one apple.
n
Washington Apple growers produce
6 out of every 10 apples consumed in the
United States.
n
At room temperature, apples ripen or soften
10 times faster than if they were refrigerated.
n
The science of growing apples is
called “pomology.”
n
Archaeologists have found evidence that
humans have been enjoying apples for more
than 8,500 years!
n
Apples contain no artificial colors or flavors.
n
Apples are fat free and sodium free.
n
Apples contain a natural sugar called fructose.
n
The average apple contains 5 seeds.
n
Apples are harvested in Washington state
each year between August and November.
Advanced storage technologies mean that
they’re fresh and available year-round.
n
A medium-sized apple contains 5 grams of
fiber, 20% the daily recommended allowance!
Did You Know?
Stem
Flesh
Core
Seeds
Calyx
Skin
