New York State is well known for its fresh-market apples, with literally hundreds of varieties to choose from. There are over 600 apple growers, making it the largest apple-producing state in the eastern United States and the 2nd largest in the country.

Cynthia Haskins, President & CEO, New York Apple Association (NYAA), shared this season apple forecast with Fructidor: “New York State is looking at 32 million bushel crop for 2020. That is up over previous year. We are seeing a good range of sizes. The Hudson Valley area began harvesting about a week earlier than that of Western and Northeastern parts of New York. Ginger Golds and Paula Reds followed by Zestar are earlier varieties and then followed by Premier Honeycrisp, New York grown SweeTango, Honeycrisp, Gala, Snapdragon and others.”

NY apple growers and producers had solid warm sunny days and recently experiencing dips in weather so color of apples is coming along. Regarding quality of crop, Mrs. Haskins explained that brix levels are good and they have a great flavor profile year.

Usually about 5% of NY apple crop sold for export. It is depending on the harvest year. “Over the last couple of years, exports were down due to trade issues, but we expect those doors to open up again. New York does export to Canada and since the signing of United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, we are hopeful for increased numbers,” said Cynthia Haskins.

Kaari Standard, a member of the NYAA team, also added, “Main markets for export for the coming season are Israel, Vietnam and Singapore.”

New York Apple Association is a nonprofit agricultural trade association based in Fishers, N.Y., representing the state’s commercial apple growers.

More information on Association’s website.