USApple

Apple exports for the 2018 crop were down 27 percent from the previous year, said the U.S. Apple Association today at the organization’s annual Crop and Outlook Marketing Conference. The value of apple exports fell by 22 percent, from $1.1 billion in 2017 to $854 million for the 2018 crop. …

“Apple growers are increasingly reliant on the H-2A guestworker program to grow and harvest their crops,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair. “Labor is a grower’s largest expense, but the current program is bureaucratic, expensive and cumbersome. The proposed modernization will streamline the application process, saving time and cutting administrative costs.” …

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) today announced that Matthew Hendrickson will join the organization in the newly created position of Manager of Association Services. Hendrickson brings a wealth of experience in association and nonprofit management, including member development, program administration, business operations and board governance. …