A year with a consistent supply of fruit is a good thing, though it may not often be considered exceptional. Consistent is good, but not exceptional, and when an average year rolls along it's considered, well, average. But in the midst of a tumultuous season in which many North American apple-producing regions had extremely short crops, Nova Scotian apple growers have had a normal year. So considering the kind of season many states and provinces have had, the kind of average production that Nova Scotia is experiencing has a bit more of a shine this year.“We haven't had the kind of weather issues other regions have had, so the crop has really come off well,” said Dela Erith, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association. She noted that orchards had a good amount of rain in September, just as harvesting got underway, but that didn't slow down the season. With favorable weather, she said the region will most likely hit the production estimate from earlier in the season.
“The crop estimate hasn't changed, we're still on track for 2.2 million bushels this year,” she said. “Also, quality and color have been good, so we've been very fortunate.” With low volumes of fruit coming from other regions, the apples Nova Scotian growers can provide have been met with good demand. That pull has meant prices higher than in previous years, said Erith, but it also means that this year's crop could go fast.
“I suspect the crop will go a little sooner this year, but we don't know how much sooner,” she said. “We have 12-month storage here, so I'm sure packers will be pacing themselves so they have product for their customers as long as possible. They'll have strategies for managing their market availability.” Considering the problems other North American growers have faced, maintaining availability seems manageable thanks to a consistent crop.
“It's been a good, average year,” said Erith. “It's been steady.”
For more information:
Dela Erith
Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association
+1 902 678 1093