Despite spring and summer weather conditions that have affected this year's California apple crop, state production for the year is expected to be on par with last year's crop.The U.S. Department of agriculture projects the 2012 California apple crop will reach 140,000 tons, which is unchanged from 2011. Gala apples, which are one of the earlier varieties California growers harvest, were picked earlier than last year, though last year's harvest was delayed. Harvesting began in July and some growers have finished that part of this year's season.
“We finished picking Galas about a week ago,” said Lance Shebelut of Trinity Fruit in California's San Joaquin Valley. “Timing was a little more normal this year, and at least for us, crop volume looks like it might be a little down.” He cited frost damage during the bloom period as the reason for reduced volume, but he noted that most growers throughout the state did not experience many losses.
With quantities on par with last year's production, the market for fresh apples from California is expected to be steady. But with good demand, prices will likely remain strong. Going forward, however, a summer heatwave could change that.
“The recent heatwave we've had has not been good for apples,” said Shebelut. “The sun and heat has caused some of the apples to get sunburn.” Although apples that get sunburned will most likely only be affected cosmetically, that could cut into the amount of this year's crop that goes to the fresh market. That could, in turn, affect prices.
“Up until this heatwave, the growing season was good,” said Shebelut. “We had some heat, but now we've had temperatures up to 109 degrees, so that will really have an effect. We might see more apples going for juicing.”