Washington apples

Apple growers in Washington believe this year's crop could be a bumper one for the state, and some have predicted a yield of 108m (42lbs) cartons, on a par with the 2008's crop.

President of the Washington Apple Commission Todd Fryhover said the first apples should be harvested in the third week of August.

Mr Fryhover said a cold spring had been the only thing worrying apple growers this year.

"In the spring is when our cell division takes place, and because it was cool there is some thought that the fruit sizing might be a bit smaller than anticipated," he told OPB News.

Mr Fryhover added that the industry expected plenty of labour to be available for picking this year because of the economic downturn.