One question we at Okanagan Specialty Fruits are frequently asked is why we chose to develop a nonbrowning apple rather than an apple with an agronomic benefit? There are many pests that growers would love to combat with biotechnology, such as fire blight and apple scab. As a grower-led company, we certainly sympathize with these challenges and it is important to us to provide value to our fellow growers, as well as to consumers.
Though our core intent with the nonbrowning trait was to spur consumption by making apples more convenient for consumers, we knew they would also benefit the entire supply chain. Over the next few weeks we will look at each segment along the supply chain in turn, and what better place to start then the first link of the chain: the growers! 
Apple consumption has been on the decline over the past couple decades, so the competitive advantage of an excitement-generating new entry could be just what is needed. Of perhaps highest value, especially in an era where reducing food waste is of the utmost importance (roughly one third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted), Arctic® Apples can significantly reduce cullage from finger bruising, bin rubs and other superficial surface blemishes that can occur during harvest. Not only does this mean that growers will see higher packouts with less waste; there would also be incremental value to growers because of some fruit packing out at a higher grade.
With less food waste, higher packouts and better quality fruit, the advantages to the grower are clear. Check back soon, or consider subscribing to our RSS feed to see the benefits for packers, retailers and more!
About Joel Brooks
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