The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) has forecast the 2025 Washington state fresh apple crop at 142 million standard forty-pound boxes, matching the state's previous record harvest estimate. However, growers report that labor shortages and market conditions may result in a smaller actual harvest.
This year's crop was produced under record drought conditions in the state. Despite reduced water availability for some orchards, growers report favorable fruit sizing across varieties. For the first time, the Cosmic Crisp (WA-38) variety, developed by Washington State University for Eastern Washington, is forecast among the top five apple varietals.
© Washington State Tree Fruit Association
According to the forecast, Gala leads production at 18%, followed by Honeycrisp at 15%, Granny Smith at 14.7%, Red Delicious at 12%, and Cosmic Crisp at 9.6%. Cosmic Crisp has increased from 1% of production in 2020 to 6% in 2023. Fuji is expected to account for 9.1%, Cripps Pink 6.4%, Envy and Golden Delicious 3.5% each, and Ambrosia 1%, with other varieties making up 7%.
Organic apples are forecast to represent 15% of the total crop, continuing the state's position as the largest producer of organic apples in the US, accounting for over 90% of national organic output. All organic production is marketed as USDA-certified organic.
Washington apples are sold domestically and exported, with exports representing nearly 30% of the harvest. Apples remain the state's leading agricultural commodity, valued at US$2 billion in 2022, or 16% of Washington's total farm-gate agricultural value.
The WSTFA forecast is based on a member survey and estimates the total volume of fresh-market apples to be packed and sold in 2025, excluding fruit destined for processing. Harvest begins in August and runs through November, leaving the final total subject to changes in weather, labor supply, and market demand.
For more information:
Washington State Tree Fruit Association
Tel: +1 509 452 8555
Email: [email protected]
www.wstfa.org
