By THE FARMER’S FRIEND
Pennsylvania fruit growers are facing a difficult harvest season after damaging freezes in April wiped out much of the state’s tree-fruit crop.
Losses vary considerably by farm and crop, with some growers losing nearly everything and others harvesting only a fraction of their typical yields, according to Penn State Extension.
“This freeze has hit fruit growers very hard this year,” said Sarah Zost, president of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania. “For some, it’s led to devastating losses across all their tree-fruit crops. Others are ‘lucky’ and may have 50% of their usual apple crop. It’s a terrible year when half of a crop is considered good luck.”
Pennsylvania’s peach and cherry crops were among the hardest hit, according to Daniel Weber, horticulture and commercial tree fruit educator with Penn State Extension.
Most peaches were lost, while cherries and apricots produced little to no crop in many areas.
“One grower said they had about two cherries for the entire orchard,” Weber said. “Another said he might have enough to make one pie.”
Apples fared better overall, although yields vary significantly among orchards and even among varieties grown on the same farm. Some orchards may have about 70% of a normal crop, while others suffered much heavier losses.
“It’s rare to find an orchard where there’s a consistent yield,” Weber said.
At one orchard Weber inspected, some blocks had fruit while Fuji and Granny Smith apple trees had almost none. At a Lancaster County orchard, the crop was so small that Weber said harvesting the remaining apples would cost more than the fruit was worth.
Weather continued to cause problems after the spring freeze. Hail damaged fruit in parts of Adams County, and heavy rain and wind later toppled a row of apple trees loaded with fruit at another orchard.
Consumers still are likely to find apples and other fruit at large grocery stores because those retailers can obtain produce from other states and countries, Weber said. The effects of the poor harvest are expected to be more noticeable at local farm markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own orchards.
Some businesses may have fewer varieties, higher prices or no pick-your-own crop available.
The peach shortage also led some growers to obtain fruit from outside Pennsylvania. Weber said he wrote letters supporting growers seeking temporary permission from farmers markets to sell peaches from states such as South Carolina because their own crops had been lost.
Market organizers generally allowed the sales as long as growers clearly identified where the fruit originated and explained why Pennsylvania-grown peaches were unavailable, he said.
Crop losses also have financial effects beyond the amount of fruit available for sale.
Even without a crop, growers must continue pruning trees and protecting them from pests and diseases to keep orchards healthy for future seasons.
Some farms also reduced employees’ hours, laid off workers or did not hire their usual seasonal crews. Zost, business manager of Bonnie Brae Fruit Farm in Adams County, said her farm did not hire about 30 workers it normally brings in for harvest.
Packers, processors and farm markets also have been affected.
Weber said fewer agricultural workers can have a broader economic impact because those employees also spend money at local gas stations, restaurants, laundromats and other businesses.
The lack of fruit can create additional challenges for the trees themselves. Trees normally direct much of their energy toward developing fruit, but without a crop, that energy can instead result in excessive shoot and branch growth.
If growth continues too late in the season, tender new wood may be more susceptible to winter damage. Penn State Extension has been advising growers on ways to slow that growth and encourage trees to harden before cold weather arrives.
Extension specialists also have helped growers assess losses, determine what orchard management practices remain necessary and document the effects of the freeze for government officials.
Weber compiled information used to support Gov. Josh Shapiro’s request for a federal disaster designation. Federal assistance subsequently became available to eligible Pennsylvania producers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.
Growers also had an opportunity to seek assistance through Pennsylvania’s $10 million freeze disaster relief program.
Weber encouraged growers of all sizes to document their losses and investigate assistance for which they may qualify.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an urban ag person who’s only got a half-acre of peaches and apples,” he said. “Claim that half-acre.”
Penn State Extension also continues to issue weekly apple maturity reports to help growers determine the best time to harvest remaining fruit. The reports track fruit size, color, sugar content, firmness and starch levels and can help determine whether apples are best suited for immediate sale or storage.
“Picking early is a problem, but picking too late is even worse,” Weber said. “Fruit harvested at the wrong stage can develop quality problems, including off-flavors during storage.”
Weber and Shanthanu Krishna Kumar, assistant professor of tree fruit, produce the reports.
For consumers, Weber and Zost said one way to help affected growers is to continue shopping at local farms and markets, even when their normal selection of fruit is unavailable.
“If you’ve got a favorite market, continue to go there, even if you’re just buying a cider doughnut or a baked good, or jam or jelly, and not fresh fruit,” Weber said. “They really can use your business.”
Some markets have expanded their vegetable and other product offerings to compensate for lost fruit sales.
“Stop at your local farmers market or farm stand and buy what they have available,” Zost said. “Every dollar counts, especially this year.”
