It’s fitting that this Fall we highlight one of the surest Fall staples, the Washington apple. Aside from pumpkins, apples are one of the most iconic fall staples and make up a good majority of this season’s comfort foods – apple pie, baked apples, caramel apples, and apple cider. Behind any good commodity is a commission, and the Washington Apple Commission is one of the nation’s oldest, bolstering the industry since 1937.
The Washington Apple Commission serves the Washington apple industry by increasing consumer demand through innovative marketing and promotions in international markets. Currently, the Washington Apple Commission is advertising Washington Apples in more than 30 countries and roughly 30% of Washington’s production is exported to more than 60 countries! Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji make up over 95% of all exports, while new varieties such as Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are becoming increasingly popular in international markets.
Ecuador is one of these international markets involved in promotional programs through the Washington Apple Commission. The photo below was captured in a produce market in Ecuador, showcasing the marketing and advertisements in action: “La Mejor Manzana” which translates to “the best apple” -a testament to WA quality produce! It’s exciting to see Washington’s agriculture on a national and global stage, and its role as an innovative leader in the agriculture industry.
For more about Washington Apple Commission’s role in the apple industry, read here: Washington Apple Commission
Washington’s wine industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state, with over 1000 wineries and more than 400 grape growers. Supporting this bustling industry in central Washington is Yakima Valley College (YVC), offering several flexible degrees in Vineyard and Winery Technology providing the necessary knowledge and skillsets that serve the wine industry and lead agriculture forward.
YVC offers AAS degrees and certificates in areas like Tree Fruit Production, Vineyard and Winery Technology, and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Learn more about Yakima Valley College’s agriculture degrees here: Yakima Valley College Agriculture Degrees
Integrating classroom and hands-on learning through their award-winning teaching winery, YVC is complete with a tasting room, called Yakima Valley Vinters located on the Grandview Campus. Students played an intricate role in both the design of the vineyard and planting of the Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, and Riesling that make up the Teaching Vineyard. Learn more about Yakima Valley Vinters here: Yakima Valley Vinters
In addition to offering hands-on learning at the Teaching Vineyard, YVC offers distance-learning opportunities for students who are place-bound or out of state. Amidst the COVID19 pandemic, distance learning has become an essential tool for many community and technical colleges across Washington State, a framework that YVC has embraced to ensure students have opportunities available to achieve success in the wine industry. Learn more about the distance learning opportunities offered at YVC here: Winery Program Distance Learning Opportunities
Whether you’re learning from home or prefer a hands-on learning experience, Yakima Valley College has the course flexibility to help you reach your goals in the agriculture field.
Happy Fall!
Even in these fairly uncertain times, our focus is continuing to serve the agriculture and natural resource communities, students, faculty, and the college system. Our team has been working hard to increase available resources on our website that we hope will help you on your pathway! From K-12 reading resources to scholarship opportunities for college students, access to our Pathways to Excellence Program Guide, and a new Mental Health Resources page…we work to have what you need – just visit agcenterofexcellence.com. We hope you are all staying safe and well!
Talk soon,
Lindsey