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American Fruit Grower launched its CROP Initiative in 2004, with the intent of providing leadership for growers and the entire fruit industry in meeting four innovative strategies for the future:
Commit to Quality
Research Strategies to Cut Costs
Organize for Market Strength
Promote Environmental Stewardship
But while the CROP program itself is new, the ideas behind it have been a part of the fruit industry for a long time, and fruit growers and researchers have used them to help guide the industry in the right direction.
Commit To Quality
Click here to read an editorial from AFG’s June 1949 issue explaining that, even in years with large crops, growers who focus on producing fruit of higher quality can attract high prices.
Research Strategies to Cut Costs
Click here to read a story from AFG’s June 1942 issue analyzing how fruit growers, during World War II, began to incorporate tanks, pumping units, and water reservoirs into their irrigation systems. The goal was to improve efficiencies at a time when labor shortages were of critical concern; however, growers quickly learned they were also able to save money as well with this new approach.
Organize For Market Strength
Click here to view an editorial from AFG’s October 1967 issue highlighting the need for growers to cooperate. "Through our collective efforts of sales, service, and promotion, we can enjoy the fruits of our labor," noted C.S. Johnston, former head of the North American Blueberry Council.
Promote Environmental Stewardship
Click here to read an article from AFG’s April 1993 by Ron Prokopy, an entomologist from the University of Massachusetts, explaining the principles behind Integrated Pest Management, how they have changed, and how they will continue to evolve.
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