PATEROS — Apple producers in the state are dumping millions of dollars of fruit that can’t be sold.
KING-TV reported that millions of pounds of apples are being dumped to rot under the sun in places like Pateros.
Industry officials blame a combination of issues. Last season, Washington growers produced the biggest apple crop in their history. In addition, recent labor disputes at Washington ports left apples sitting, sometimes for weeks.
KING reports that left lots of apples unusable, even for processing.
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association estimates $95 million in lost sales due to apples that could not ship.
