US: The Washington Apple Commission talks about 2024 crop and promotional plans

The Washington Apple Commission met Oct. 15 in Ellensburg for the first time with new president Michael Schadler on board and discussed the ongoing harvest, the promotional budget for the 2024–25 crop year and how the success of those programs is measured. It was also the last meeting for retiring President Todd Fryhover, and Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison stopped by to thank him for his service to the industry. Acknowledging the work of the apple commission under Fryhover’s leadership, Sandison said that, in his travels to meet with Washington’s export partners, he has found “everywhere around the Pacific Rim, people recognize the Washington apple brand.” Commissioners shared updates on the ongoing harvest at their various companies. With the exception of Honeycrisp, which is down considerably following last year’s record crop, most reported that top varieties are picking near or above estimates. “This crop is larger than 125,” said Jon Alegria ...