2006 U.S. Apple Crop Forecast: Critical Issues Discussed at U.S. Apple Association Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference

In addition to crop size forecasts, the USApple Outlook Conference also addressed critical issues affecting the industry, including:

• Retail activity, including how retailers are focusing on locally grown produce. Representatives from Wal-Mart and Whole Foods demonstrated what they were doing to meet the needs of today's growers. At Wal-Mart, one of the most significant initiatives is promoting the health benefits of apples, as well as the sustainability of the fruit industry by focusing more on buying local.
  
  
• China's future in global fresh market sales. A panel discussion, with speakers from Germany, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and India, looked at the potential impact of fresh market apple imports from China. The consensus seemed to be that, if this is indeed the wave of the future, issues such as country of origin labeling, phytosanitary regulations, and equal trade access still need to be addressed.
  
  
• Managed varieties, including who will have the right to grow them, and how they will be marketed. A panel of experts highlighted some of the new varieties leading this charge, including MN 19, Jazz, and Pacific Rose. Dennis Courtier of Pepin Heights Orchard in Minnesota stressed that in order for these varieties to be successful, "you need to nail the quality every time," and you also need to have a successful commercialization plan. Meanwhile, Jim McFerson of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission noted that before any of this is addressed, the apple industry must develop a strategy for increased demand consumption. To accomplish this, he pointed to the use of germplasm to improve fruit quality.