The Core Quarterly

Looking for a quick way to catch up on the latest industry data and trends?

Using AI, we transformed this year’s Industry Outlook Report into a conversational audio overview highlighting key data, trends and takeaways.

Our 21-minute podcast breaks down key findings from the 2026 Industry Outlook Report, bringing production forecasts, market trends and industry insights straight to your headphones—whether you’re commuting to the office, driving through the orchard or sitting at your desk. It’s another way USApple is leveraging technology to make valuable industry information more accessible, wherever you are.

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives to reform the H-2A agricultural guest worker program.

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA), introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) with 50 original cosponsors, including many representing apple-growing districts, includes several long-standing USApple priorities. Read our statement here.

The bill would:

• Make the current H-2A wage methodology permanent.
• Expand H-2A to year-round agricultural employers.
• Allow packing facilities to employ H-2A workers, including when packing fruit from multiple growers.
• Simplify H-2A program requirements.

The bill marks an important step toward meaningful agricultural labor reform. USApple continues to lead advocacy efforts by building additional House support and advancing companion legislation in the Senate.

In May we announced the 2026 Class of NextGen Fellows:

1. Apolinar “Apol” Blanco – Sustainability, Social Responsibility & Food Safety Manager; Chelan Fresh (East Wenatchee, WA)
2. Auna Lundberg – Sr. Marketing Manager; Stemilt Growers (Wenatchee, WA)
3. Bryson Nix – Orchard Manager; Apple Wedge Packers & Cider (Hendersonville, NC)
4. James Rowley – Farm Manager; Cherry Hill Farms (Santaquin, UT)
5. Kelley Chase – Social Media Manager, Peach Ridge Orchard Supply; Legislative Aide, Michigan House of Representatives (Haslett, MI)
6. Guadalupe “Lupe” Villasenor – Crop Insurance Agent; Insure.ag (Pasco, WA)
7. Nettie Hurry – Sales & Product Development; Adams County Nursery (Aspers, PA)
8. Nick Willett – Applications Manager; Gilbert Orchards (Yakima, WA)
9. Scott Kneeland – Orchard Manager; Russell Farms Inc. (Appleton, NY)
10. Stephanie Rojas, SHRM-CP – Human Resources Director; Taggares Fruit Company (Kennewick, WA)

With the help of the USApple NextGen Advisory Committee, each fellow went through an extensive application and interview process. We received many highly qualified candidates this year. The class kicked off the program virtually and will meet for the first time in-person for Outlook ’26 in Chicago. The class will culminate in March 2027 at Capitol Hill Day in D.C.

Specialty crop growers are facing significant financial pressure and economic assistance tailored to the realities of specialty crop production has been a central advocacy priority in 2026.

In February, USDA announced the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, the specialty crop component of the December 2025 relief package that allocated $11 billion for Title I crops and $1 billion for specialty crops and sugar. While USApple and Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance partners urged a revenue-based model similar to MASC or CFAP 2, USDA ultimately aligned the program with the acreage-based Farmer Bridge Assistance framework.

USApple continues to press the issue for more economic assistance through congressional meetings, coalition partnerships, media engagement, and social media amplification. A social media post highlighting that grower prices have fallen 28% over the past three years while costs continue to rise—tagging House and Senate leadership—was re-posted 45 times, helping extend the message beyond Capitol Hill and underscore the urgency of this priority.

Because specialty crops account for roughly one-third of total U.S. crop sales, USApple is urging lawmakers to ensure any agricultural relief package dedicates at least one-third of funding, no less than $5 billion, to specialty crop producers.

This same message was carried directly to lawmakers by USApple’s Capitol Hill Day attendees, who underscored the need for economic assistance that reflects the realities of specialty crop production.

USApple maintained a strong presence on the 2026 conference circuit, with team members speaking and engaging at key industry meetings across the country. Presentations and discussions covered advocacy efforts, production, movement, trade, market trends, and emerging challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Visits included:

• Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, PA (Chris Gerlach spoke)
• International Fruit Tree Association 2026 Annual Conference in Fresno, CA (Chris Gerlach spoke)
• CiderCon 2026 in Providence, RI (Jim Bair spoke)
• Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association Annual Meeting in Columbus, OH (Diane Kurrle spoke)
• Minnesota Apple Growers Association Winter Educational Seminar (Chris Gerlach spoke)
• Growing Wisconsin Conference (Chris Gerlach spoke)