Organic Washington Apples

The Best Organic Apples On Earth™

Washington State is known as one of the premier apple-growing areas in the world. The nutrient-rich soil, arid climate, plentiful water and advanced growing practices provide the right ingredients for producing top-quality fruit.

These same elements also make Washington the finest place to grow organic apples. The dry climate and ideal temperatures reduce the number of disease and pest problems that can impact fruit. This superior climate reduces the need for applications to control insects and pests. In addition, Washington’s quality standards for all apples are more stringent than grading standards used in any other growing region in the world.

All of Washington’s nine key varieties are available as organically grown.

Statistics from Washington State University’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center indicate most of the Washington organic acreage planted is in Red Delicious followed by Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, Washington Pink, Cameo® and Jonagold.

And Washington’s organic apple industry is not only growing, but it is holding true to the state’s unmatched history of dedication to cutting-edge production practices. More than 25 percent of the state’s apple packers hold Organic Handler Certificates from the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Organic Food Program.

The National Organic Program
The push to standardize organic certification nationwide started in 1990 when Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA). The OFPA required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop national standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers that those products meet consistent, uniform standards.

In response to these demands, the USDA created the National Organic Program (NOP). NOP standards offer a national definition for the term organic. They detail the methods, practices and substances that can be used in producing and handling organic crops, livestock, and processed products.

Beginning in 1988, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) had been certifying orchards under the state’s organic food laws. When the USDA created the national program, the WSDA was accredited to certify orchards, processors and handlers under the national program.

12 Good Reasons to Buy Organic Apples

Organic orcharding protects future generations
Organic apples meet stringent standards
Organic apples taste great!
Organic production reduces health risks from chemicals
Organic orchards respect our water resources
Organic growers build healthy soil
Organic growers work with nature
Organic growers are leaders in innovative research
Organic growers strive to preserve biodiversity
Organic orcharding keeps communities healthy
Organic orcharding saves energy
Organic orcharding helps small growers