Starr Ranch Growers is set for fall apple harvest with its new Fair Trade USA authorization. The Wenatchee, WA-based company recently gained certification from Fair Trade USA — an agreement that solidified 3,300 acres in both the Wenatchee and Quincy Custom Apple Packing Facilities. The authorization from Fair Trade USA did not come without collective dedication and persistence to strengthen and grow the existing Starr Ranch Growers core values, sustainability efforts and enhanced company culture.

With a 2021 Washington apple crop expected to be very similar in size to the previous year, it appears there will be promotable volume throughout the year for retailers as well as the opportunity for good prices for growers.

The total crop has been forecast at about 125 million boxes by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, which would be just a slight increase from the 2020 harvest crop of about 122 million boxes, but almost 10 million boxes fewer than 2019.

Family-owned-and-operated Rainier has been honing its craft for generations, and that’s why the company has been so successful for more than 120 years.

Since the inception of the company in 1989, CMI Orchards has become one of the largest fruit growers in Washington State.

While multiple apple growers have been involved with organics since the late 80s and early 90s, Chelan Fresh was one of the first and has enjoyed success in the organic category.

Apples are the largest commodity segment at Starr Ranch Growers. While the company grows and provides a variety of other fruits within the marketplace — pears, stonefruit and cherries — team members think of apples as its “hero” fruit and the bulk of its business.