US (MI): Long term implications of small apple crop
Growers are still harvesting the crop, but estimates are that the will only gather around 3 million bushels. It may sound a lot, but when you consider the usual harvest fetches in the region of 26 million bushels then the situation becomes apparent.
Usually the industry is worth $120 million per annum, but this will be significantly reduced this year. The losses will hit the rest of the supply chain in addition to this - businesses involved in such things as chemical provision to the industry, for example.
Then there's the lack of jobs for seasonal workers of course. There are concerns in the state that these workers will find alternative places of work in future, leaving the state short of available labour next time there is a good crop.
Source: greatlakesecho.org
