—My food story August —’24— 5 COOPERATORS Washington apples got their start on the Fort Vancouver farm in 1826, when the first apple trees in the Pacific Northwest were planted. Early settlers quickly learned that the area’s rich lava-ash soil and plentiful sunshine created ideal conditions for growing apples. Soon, what started as one orchard in the 1820s, became over 175,000 acres of beautiful farms throughout the state of Washington. The Washington Apple Commission was formed in 1937 by the state legislature to promote education, advertise, and develop markets on behalf of all growers within the state. The Washington Apple Commission is funded in part by its growers, with the primary goal of increasing consumption of Washington apples in international markets and protecting grower investment in the Washington brand against trademark infringement. With a focus on export programs, the Commission leverages grower funding with Market Access Program (MAP) funding, through the Foreign Agricultural Service, to develop and support Washington apple growers in over 60 countries worldwide. This allows the Washington Apple Commission to contract with thirteen representative offices in different markets that work directly with importers and retailers to implement promotional programs and communicate the Washington difference to consumers globally. Washington is responsible for 90+ percent of US organic certified apples, boasting over 16,000 acres of organic orchards and over 15 million boxes of organic apples every year. Additionally, growers in Washington work continually with, rather than against, nature. They rely on natural pest enemies, pest-resistant varieties, pest monitoring, horticultural practices, and other methods to minimize the Unveiling the Rich History of Washington Apples WASHINGTON APPLES From humble beginnings to over 175,000 acres of thriving orchards, Washington apples have not only flourished but set a global standard for quality ensuring that every apple represents the pinnacle of taste, safety, and care
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