Resilient Michigan apple season underway despite weather challenges

This year’s Michigan apple crop is racing ahead on the calendar. Warm spring temperatures pushed harvest one to two weeks earlier than normal, setting growers up for a compressed window to get the fruit picked and moving down the supply chain. 

While freeze and hail events have caused localized damage, the Great Lakes State producers remain resilient, Michigan Apple Committee Executive Director Diane Smith told FreshFruitPortal.com.

“[Growers] understand the flexibility required when harvesting crops. They made plans to accommodate the early arrival of the apples this year.  I am confident that Honeycrisp and other varieties will be successfully harvested and shipped in a timely fashion to meet consumer demand,” she noted.

Michigan apple growers adapt

With changing climate patterns causing widespread issues in the agricultural industry nationwide, Michigan producers have continued investing in frost-mitigation practices, including equipment designed to protect orchards during spring freeze events. This, Smith said, has helped to better manage this year’s weather impact.

Additionally, the state’s geographic split is giving northern orchards a stronger crop outlook.

“The southern part of our state, where bloom comes a little earlier, was more affected. The further north you go, the more reports we are hearing of above-average crop size,” the industry leader noted.

As for consumer messaging, with fresh produce prices climbing, the committee is focusing on apples’ well-known core benefits.

“We focus on the health benefits and convenience of Michigan apples, along with the affordable price. Apples are a great value for the money, especially when considering the myriad health benefits, portability, convenience, and numerous ways to consume them,” Smith stressed.

Navigating the changing export landscape

Michigan's export strategy focuses on expanding sales in Central America, Mexico, and Colombia, Smith said, as well as more established partners like Canada. 

While shipments currently don’t face any tariffs, the United States' decision not to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) is expected to do some damage.

Smith noted the decision has brought some uncertainty, as the policy will now have to be reviewed every 10 years.

“Canada and Mexico are great markets for our industry, and we want to continue those relationships moving forward. It takes years to build relationships with buyers in those markets and is incredibly important that we do not lose those opportunities,” she concluded.

*Images courtesy of Michigan Apple Committee.

Related stories

USApple reports eroding margins despite sustained yields