November
2014
"A Quality Fruit Company Committed To
Bearing Fruit...Fruit That Will Last" (John 15:16)
 Washington
Picks a Bumper Apple Crop
If
the early season projections hold, Washington State apple growers will
harvest a record amount of apples, estimated at 140 million boxes. Broetje
Orchards expects a large harvest, but not a record crop. As the calendar
turns, bringing shorter daylight periods and cooler temperatures, orchard
crews can see the end of harvest approaching.
Attention now turns to
picking Granny Smith, Fuji and Pink Lady. The list of blocks cleared of fruit
grows longer, including Gala, Honeycrisp, Sweetie, Red Delicious and Opal.
Overall fruit quality remains very good.
Recruiting and retaining
experienced people this time of year is always critical. More than 1,900
people are currently working in the orchard, harvesting apples, rolling bins,
driving tractors and loading trucks.
Marketing this bumper crop
will be more challenging than in previous years, given large apple crops in
other states. This is expected to put pressure on both volume shipments
and pricing. The good news is that Washington's apple industry has
experienced strong movement to date, shipping nearly 2.5 to 2.8 million boxes
each week.
Pricing for this year's crop
continues to fluctuate based on variety, grade and size. Some
varieties, such as Gala, Granny Smith and Red Delicious are holding a steady
price at this early stage. Other varieties are much more price sensitive
based on volume and individual fruit size.
For now, the apple industry
is building strong momentum. The key will be maintaining that momentum over
the long shipping season.
By: Jim Hazen
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Prescott Orchard: Our team of over 1,550 employees still need to pick
three later varieties of Fuji, Pink Lady & Granny Smith.
Wallula Orchard: Our team of 220 employees are harvesting Opal, Fuji,
Braeburn and Pink Lady.
Benton City Orchard: Our team of 135 employees have picked almost every
variety except Braeburn and Fuji. Those varieties will be the last this
month.
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MEDA:
Ethiopia
Thanksgiving is upon us, bringing a time to reflect and remember
the many blessings we have in our lives. Thanks to our partnership with MEDA,
many families in Ethiopia have reasons to be thankful as well.
Vista Hermosa Foundation has partnered with MEDA to promote the
"Ethiopians Fighting against Child Exploitation" (E-FACE) program.
The main goal of E-FACE is to increase income of vulnerable families through
value chain development in textiles and agriculture markets.They want to build
the capacity of local institutions to prevent and build awareness of
exploitative child labor and ensure youth of working age have access to
education and safe working environment. Bekelech struggled with her family
finances.When it became unbearable, her husband decided he couldn't support
them anymore and suggested she send their two sons away to live with her
parents in a rural community. As a person who cannot read or write, Bekelech
knew the difficulties that her sons would face. Thanks to the E-Face project,
Bekelech has been able to save and invest in her own coffee growing company.
She plans to buy her own property and invest in her sons' futures. Bekelech's
strong spirit allowed her to continue moving forward despite the obstacles she
faced.
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