The U.S. Apple Outlook Conference shared harvest estimates on August 18, predicting a smaller crop than the five-year average. Washington, the country’s biggest apple-producing state, will be down from 120 million boxes for the 2021-2022 season to somewhere between 108 to 112 million fresh boxes for 2022-2023 season.

At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot with almost 46 million bushels produced, accounting for around 18 per cent of the U.S. apple market. Rounding out the top five are Red Delicious (34 m bu), Fuji (26 m bu), Honeycrisp (25 m bu) and Granny Smith (24 m bu).

In contrast, the Canadian estimate is 18.5 million bushels – up one per cent compared to 2021 and down four per cent from the five-year average.

Here are the provincial breakdowns:

British Columbia

The season got off to a slow start with cool spring weather, but the crop is catching up now with some hot temperatures.  Harvest will be about two weeks later than normal. There is a further reduction in apple acreage in the province. That means 3.2 million bushels are predicted – a 23.6 per cent reduction in volume compared to 2021.

Ontario

Most of the province has been dry and rain would be welcomed. The good news is that there was little frost damage in the spring. The estimate is for 7.6 million bushels to be harvested, up 12.9 per cent from 2021.

Québec

Some areas experienced winter damage and spring frosts, and unfortunately some growers experienced hail in June. But ample rain in May and June have spurred the crop. Average harvest timing is expected and the sizing of fruit is good. The estimate is for 5.5 million bushels – up 7.5 per cent versus 2021.

New Brunswick

Growers report good bloom and pollination with no major pest concerns. Some new acreage is being planted. The estimate is for 207,000 bushels – up 0.8 per cent versus 2021.

 Nova Scotia

An average crop is expected. Good growing conditions were experienced in the spring, but the crop is thirsty for rain now.  Some new acreage is being planted. The estimate is for two million bushels – down 3.7 per cent compared to 2021.

Source:  Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada Apple Working Group August 22, 2022