'A huge crop' of apples on P.E.I. this year, says growers' group

Orchards are seeing a record apple crop and plenty of interest from Islanders in picking them directly off their trees, agroup that represents apple farmers onP.E.I.says.

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"We've had a huge crop, probably too big," said Mark Ashley, president of the P.E.I. Apple Growers' Association, which represents five commercial farms on the Island. Ashley is also theowner of the 1,000-tree Wintermoor Orchard in York, P.E.I.

Some of the growers are saying some of their varieties they've run out of already, so that's very good news. MarkAshley

While a dry growing season has led to slightly smaller fruit this fall, Ashley said there are more apples per tree, weighing down some branches.

"Not a major problem but it's something I'm keeping my eye on," he said.

"I have a lot of pruning to do after the season.Good for the consumers, there's lots to pick from."

Bees did their job

Wintermoor is open to customers to come and pick their own. Ashley is charging 80 cents a pound ($1.76per kilogram), noting prices across P.E.I. range from 60 cents to a dollar per pound.

Ashley credits good pollination this spring after a long blooming period a week and a half to two weeks.

"That left a lot of time for the bees and the wind and everything to do their job," Ashley said.

Not only is it Ashley's biggest yield ever, there are more people coming to pick their own apples.

"Pretty excited that we've had a lot of people here that have never been here," he said. "We've had a huge amount of newcomers."

Looking for fresh, local produce

Many immigrants to P.E.I.are looking for fresh, local produce Ashley said.

And even if people don't pick, they're coming by to see the orchard, walk around and sample some new apple varieties something growers encourage.

"It's something free, it doesn't cost you anything to come here," he said. "It's like a park."

'Picked over'

Many Island orchards have picnic areas and washrooms and welcome the public.

Other growers tell Ashley they've also had excellent crops and a high number of visitors.

"Some of the crops are even getting picked over pretty good," he said. "Some of the growers are saying some of their varieties they've run out of already, so that's very good news."

Although some fruit fell off branches in Monday's storm, Ashley confirmed there are still plenty to pick from andabout three weeks of good picking left.

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