Pennsylvania’s 2026 apple harvest is getting underway, and while growers are anticipating a lighter crop this season, there is still plenty to be optimistic about. “In April, right at peak bloom, we experienced a freeze that impacted orchards across Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region,” says Rice Fruit Company’s Valerie Ramsburg. “While that event reduced the overall crop, we’re encouraged by the fruit that made it through and are looking forward to another season of high-quality Eastern apples.”
Rice Fruit Company expects to have availability across its full range of varieties this season, though volumes will be lighter in some cases. “There is still a lot of good fruit to harvest, and our growers have done an incredible job caring for this crop,” Ramsburg says. “We’re focused on making the most of what Mother Nature has given us and delivering the quality, flavor and freshness our customers expect from Pennsylvania-grown apples.”
© Rice Fruit CompanyGalas and Honeycrisp apples (the latter seen here) start harvest in the first or second week of August.
Last week was when the first fruit started to come in for the company. “The timing is pretty standard, though it seems as though apple season starts earlier and earlier each year because there are varieties that have been developed to spread harvest out between August-October,” she says. “That way you’re not harvesting everything in September. There are earlier varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp that start in the first or second week of August.”
The transition to the new 2026 crop is also anticipated to be smooth following last year’s stronger crop.
Summer growing conditions
Following that freeze during bloom, more recently, growing conditions have been relatively typical. “This summer has been hot and a little bit dry but we have had some rain over the past couple weeks which is good for our area. The hot weather is great for developing color and flavor and over the next couple of weeks we’ll be watching to see that nighttime temperatures get a bit lower to give those mid-season apples their signature color,” says Ramsburg.
All of this means demand is anticipated to be good and pricing strong, particularly given the fact that the processing market– which has seen strong demand throughout the year–sets the floor for the market.
© Rice Fruit CompanyFollowing that freeze during bloom this year, more recently, growing conditions have been relatively typical for apples such as these Galas hanging in the orchard.
“We’re fortunate that apple season coincides with back to school and when people start their routines again,” says Ramsburg. “There’s also a really good opportunity for further consumption. We have noticed that produce consumers have been reinvigorated by focusing on whole foods, healthier snacking and increasing their dietary fiber. Fortunately, apples fit that bill, offering both nutrition and an exceptional value for the budget conscious consumer.”
In unique years and crops such as this one, Ramsburg says it also underscores how interconnected agriculture is. “We represent over 40 farm families so when we have a challenge, that trickles down to other companies,” she says. “We’re really leaning on the support of our partners and good communication, and we hope that people support their local agriculture communities this year especially.”
For more information:
Valerie Ramsburg
Rice Fruit Company
[email protected]
www.ricefruit.com