Accurate CROP FORECAST needed: Technology that will help apple growers assess the fruit on their trees is being developed

摘要

An accurate crop estimate can have a major impact on the profitability of the Washington apple industry, says Bruce Grim, manager of Washington Apple Growers Marketing Association. "It's hugely important." That's because growers tend to make their picking decisions in the orchard based on what they expect the state's crop size to be and how their fruit will fit the profile of what can be picked, packed, and shipped profitably, he said. Currently, Washington compiles its crop estimate in two ways. Members of the Wenatchee Valley Traffic Association compile an estimate for the northern district based on what volume each shipper thinks they will handle. The Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association asks its members to estimate what the entire southern district's crop will be. The two associations then combine their data to produce a statewide crop estimate.