Apple growers in Washington State are preparing for a potentially record-breaking harvest this season. The Washington State Tree Fruit Association is forecasting a massive 142 million boxes of fresh apples, equaling the state's all-time high.
Despite the drought conditions, growers report that the fruit looks promising. However, labor shortages and market pressures could lead to growers being more selective about which apples are picked.
Organics continue to play a significant role in the harvest, comprising 15 percent of the crop. Washington produces nearly 90 percent of the nation's organic apples.
The harvest is set to begin this month and will run through November. Nearly a third of the crop is expected to be exported worldwide.