2013 New York Apple Crop Forecast: The Good Buzz Continues

Fishers, N.Y. – Get ready, New Yorkers, New York state apples are roaring back this year – and they are going to be bigger and better. Bonus, you’ll also find more of the varieties you love.

That’s the report from a conference call of leading apple growers from across the state that was held July 25. Growers from most regions report they expect this year’s crop to be 100 percent or more than their typical crop. These crop watchers attributed that news to near-perfect growing conditions, and recent new plantings now coming into production.

Growers expect harvest will begin on time and proceed on schedule. First of the year favorites such as Ginger Gold and Paula Reds will arrive in the marketplace starting mid-August. Traditional favorites such as McIntosh will start in early September. Fruit size and sugars should be excellent as growers have enjoyed close to perfect growing conditions this year – that means strong bloom, good pollination and plenty of sunlight, heat and moisture. Meanwhile, they have increased acreage of popular varieties including HoneyCrisp, Gala, McIntosh and Empire over the past 5-6 years. Those plantings are now figuratively – and literally – bearing fruit.

“We will more than rebound from last year, thanks to much more benevolent weather and smart growers who’ve been planting more of what consumers want,” said New York Apple Association (NYAA) President Jim Allen, who hosted the grower conference call. “It’s been a perfect storm, but in a very good way.”

NYAA’s grower leaders forecasted the 2013 New York apple crop will easily meet the state’s 5-year average production of 29 million bushels, and recent plantings now coming into production may push that to exceed 30 million bushels.

This year’s good-news crop comes after early-season freezes last year decimated much of the state’s crop in the bud; the 2012 crop was estimated at 17.1 million bushels. Growers are happy, and they are certain consumers will be too.

“Your mouth is already watering, isn’t it?” said Allen. “We are truly proceeding from blossom to awesome.”