MarchWAR2010

March 2010, World Apple Report Highlights

Research Burden Shifting to Producers
Agricultural research has benefited from one-time, targeted government programs at the same time that the permanent infrastructure for research is suffering severe attrition of funds. Research is vital to the apple industry if it is to survive and progress. Past support of agricultural research was justified on the grounds of agriculture's key role in income and employment in rural areas and on the grounds of national food security. However, those justifications are coming under attack as agriculture becomes more industrialized, as government budgets are squeezed and as society gives greater priority to other issues. Agriculture needs to respond rapidly if it is to save its critical research infrastructure and capabilities. In the future, it will have to find industry sources for permanent funding of research.

Newer Varieties Aiming for Stardom
This article reviews some of the more prominent new varieties that are attempting to emulate the previous waves of new varieties like Fuji and Gala, Pink Lady and Cameo, and, more recently, Jazz and Honeycrisp. We looked at 20 varieties, of which 8 appear to have the best chance of exceeding 20,000 metric tons of production (1 million cartons) by 2020. These are (in rank order) Pinova (called Pinata in the U.S.), Ambrosia, Envy, Kanzi, Belchard, Junami, Rubens and Tentation. Several other varieties are aimed at special niches, for example Topaz and Juliet for organic markets, and Greenstar for the green apple segment. Given the wide array of pretenders for the throne, the key to success will lie as much in superior marketing as in superior natural attributes.

Food Safety Compliance Costs
This article reviews a study that examined food safety compliance costs in leafy green vegetables. While these products have few similarities with apples, the study highlights the type of costs that would be incurred by apple growers if more stringent food safety standards were applied to apple production. Producers of leafy green vegetables incurred both initial modification costs and ongoing seasonal costs of remaining in compliance. The authors estimated that the full costs could be $100 per acre. A further problem for all producers is the "costly and conflicting array of food safety standards" they now face. These could force many small producers out of business. The apple industry needs to argue for food safety standards that are both effective and flexible for different situations.

Special Statistics

Selected Countries: Population Projections, 2000-2050 (table).
Japan: Population, Total, and Persons Aged 15-64, 2000-2050 (chart).

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