Organic Apple Production Manual

More than 20 years of research by UC scientists, farm advisors, growers and the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) have culminated in the first production manual from the University of California for current or potential producers of certified organic apples.

“Both organic and conventional growers will find that this manual is a good starting reference for those seeking options to problems of pesticide resistance, postharvest residues, farmer and farmworker health and safety, and future regulatory restrictions,” says Sean L. Swezey, SAREP director and co-author of the publication. “Those considering the transition to organic production and certification will find guidelines on what records to keep, who to contact, and what to expect while making the transition.”

The manual includes a review of the organic apple industry including trends in production and markets, supply and price, and state and federal regulation and certification. Chapters include orchard management, disease and pest management, harvest and postharvest operations, marketing considerations, and economic performance. It also includes the methods legally available for organic market production in California, with a bibliography of publications useful to organic growers.

In addition to Swezey, co-authors include UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors Paul Vossen (Sonoma County) and Janet Caprile (Contra Costa County), and UC Area IPM specialist Walt Bentley (Kearney Ag Center, Parlier).

The 72-page publication is illustrated with 20 photographs and 19 tables. To order, contact University of California ANR Communication Services, 6701 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608-1239; Tel: (800) 994-8849 or (510) 643-5470; Fax: (510) 643-5470; Web site: anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu. Refer to Publication Number 3403; the cost is $18 plus shipping and handling (California residents add 8.25 percent sales tax). Payment may be made by VISA or MasterCard, or check or money order payable to “UC Regents.”