By Andi Anderson
Michigan’s apple industry faced a challenge after consecutive record-breaking harvests, resulting in an oversupply that growers and processors struggled to sell.
In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a significant move, committing to purchase $100 million worth of fresh apples and processed apple products. While this purchase is nationwide, Michigan, known for its thriving apple industry, will notably benefit.
Dawn Drake from the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association initiated efforts for this buyout in late summer. According to Drake, this purchase enables processors to acquire stored apples without a market, offering relief to growers who had already invested in harvesting these surplus apples.
This USDA initiative aims to address the challenge of surplus products lingering in storage. Drake highlights that despite high prices at grocery stores, retail sales for apples remained sluggish due to the surplus. Unfortunately, for growers unable to secure buyers or long-term storage, some fruit had to remain unpicked this year, and the buyout won't compensate for their losses.
The purchased products, including fresh apples, apple sauce cups, and bagged slices, will be allocated to food banks, schools, and meal assistance programs across the nation.
This marks the second consecutive year that the USDA has intervened with a purchase to address surplus apples, aiming to provide support during times of abundance in the apple industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-richard-7
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables