The Changing Face of Organic Tree Fruit Production

Granatstein, D.
Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University, WA, USA

Market demand for organic food continues to grow in many countries, providing the impetus for expanding the production base. Organic apples and pears are important items in the produce category. Given the relatively small size of the organic sector, a modest change in production can have a dramatic influence on price.

Statistics on organic apple and pear production for Washington State, the USA, and internationally, and prices in Washington State, have been compiled over the past five years. Data collection, particularly from overseas has been spotty and difficult.

However, several trends emerge. Global organic apple production is increasing, while organic pear production is flat. But individual countries vary greatly in this regard. And supply-demand dynamics are evident in the shrinking price premiums for organic apples and pears in Washington as production expanded rapidly (e.g. organic apple hectares increased 250% from 1998 to 2002).

Europe experienced an increase in organic apples and a decrease in organic pears, while South America had significant expansion of both organic apples and pears. Varietal choices are important for consumer acceptance as evidenced by the nearly 50% decline in organic Red Delicious hectares in Washington State.

Climate plays a major role in where organic apple and pear production will flourish, given the fewer and often less effective tools for pest control. Crop size appears to be an important factor in year-to-year price fluctuations. Large production blocks and fruit packing companies are becoming more dominant in the organic apple and pear sector in several key production regions.