The 2020 estimate of Michigan apple crop is in line with the size of previous year

A few weeks ago, as part of the USApple Outlook meeting, which was held virtually due to pandemic, an official estimate of the Michigan crop was announced at 22.5 million bushels (946 million pounds) of apples, which is in line with the size of the 2019 crop.

Diane Smith, Executive Director of the Michigan Apple Committee commemted that many factors affect the size of an apple crop, including weather and the size of the last year’s crop. “The state is surrounded by the Great Lakes. That unique geography, plus our climate, nutrient rich soil, and dedicated growers produce exceptional flavor.” To make the estimate, growers and other industry experts report what they are seeing in different regions of the state and then come to a consensus on the crop size estimate.

In early May, growers used a variety of tools to prevent frost damage. While some areas of the state were impacted more than others, the overall crop is of good quality with minimal frost damage. “As always, Michigan Apple growers have been working hard to produce this year’s crop and are excited to share their great-tasting apples with consumers this fall” said Mrs. Smith.

According to the USDA, Michigan harvested 22.5 million bushels of apples in 2019. More than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production cover 34,500 acres on 775 family farms in the state.

Michigan apples are usually shipped from mid-August all the way through the following June. According to Smith, main export's markets for the coming season are Central America, South America and Caribbean: “These markets have been consistently strong for us year after year, and our exporters have worked well in those regions.”

 “We have expanded this year into Brazil with new in-market representation through the U.S. Apple Export Council. The U.S. and Brazil signed a new systems approach protocol last year and this will potentially give us access to that market earlier than before,” she also shared about plans to open new countries.

Most of apples are sold domestically but Michigan-grown apples appeals to domestic and export markets alike. Exporters of Michigan have great relationships around the world and have built strong markets in more than 30 states and in 18 countries.

Diane Smith noted that Michigan is a part of the U.S. Apple Export Council, an organization that represents four states in the United States (California, Michigan, New York and Virginia). “USAEC supports apples from these states in foreign markets via promotions funded through USDA; aid in the identification of new or potential markets or market niches for USAEC exports; and manage overseas representatives and help them conduct promotional programs.”

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, research and education activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in the state and worldwide.

More information on Committee’s website.