Apple Farmers Report Strong Harvest Amid Drought Conditions

UPDATE: Apple farmers in eastern Prince Edward Island (PEI) are celebrating a surprisingly robust harvest this season, despite facing severe drought conditions. Rick MacPhee, who runs MacPhee’s Orchard, confirmed that the crop is thriving, showcasing excellent size, color, and quality.

MacPhee highlighted the challenges of this exceptionally dry summer, stating, “We always prepare for a dry spell, but this year is extremely dry, almost as dry as 2001.” His orchard relies solely on natural rain and groundwater, as they do not have an artificial irrigation system. To combat the drought, MacPhee employs strategic practices such as thinning branches and cutting grass to reduce the trees’ water needs.

The U-Pick season commenced in mid-September and continues to draw increasing crowds. MacPhee’s Orchard has been welcoming visitors for 25 years and grows over 20 apple varieties, including popular choices like Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold.

Similarly, Mike Cheverie, owner of Red Point Orchard, reported a positive crop yield this year. “The dry summer hasn’t significantly affected the crop. They sized up well and are in fairly good condition,” he stated. Cheverie, who began his orchard as a hobby in 2018 and launched U-Pick in 2021, produces around 120,000 pounds of apples annually. Notably, 80% of his yield is shipped to New Brunswick for packaging, while 20% is sold directly through U-Pick.

Honeycrisp apples remain a customer favorite, drawing larger crowds each year. Cheverie noted a remarkable increase in U-Pick visitors since Hurricane Fiona devastated the area in 2022, when the storm destroyed 90% of his crop and claimed 1,000 trees out of 6,500. “This season, production has doubled,” he added, reflecting on the resilient spirit of the farming community.

Both orchards have adopted strategies to weather the effects of severe storms, including keeping trees short and surrounding them with taller trees for added wind protection. MacPhee shared, “We prepare for storms based on past climate data and advances in science.”

The apple harvest in eastern PEI is not just a story of resilience but also a testament to the enduring relationship between farmers and their communities. As the U-Pick season continues until the end of October, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to experience the rich flavors of this year’s crop while supporting these dedicated farmers.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the apple season unfolds in eastern PEI!