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THE RISE and F ormation of a Washington apple promotion program 75 years ago was deemed essential for the survival of the industry. The first rail carload of apples from Yakima was shipped in 1894, and Wenatchee's first carload was shipped seven years later. By 1920, the state was producing around 20 million boxes annually, but not always selling them at a profit. During the Great Depression, while apple production was increasing nationally, production costs were rising and Once flush with a high freight charges to eastern markets were putting Washington at a competitive disadvantage. Other areas were pro- ducing fruit more cheaply and their markets were much nearer. Several voluntary groups made small-scale attempts to advertise Washington's apples. "If apple growers of Washington cannot unite on some constructive program of meeting present-day sales methods to claim their share of the consumer fresh fruit appetite, the industry must shrink to a fraction of its present size and most of us must quit," Ralph Sundquist of Yakima, declared at a grower meeting in 1936. Growers, shippers, and businessmen in Yakima and Wenatchee formed committees in each region to $40 million annual budget, the Washington Apple Commission is now dependent on federal export promotion funds and a continued willingness of the industry to join forces to promote Washington apples overseas. by Geraldine Warner study the problem. After much deliberation, they created Washington State Apples, Inc., an organization that would go into operation only after growers representing 85 percent of the state's tonnage signed up and that would be financed with an assessment of 1 cent per box. The new organization launched newspaper and radio advertising and hired four dealer-service men in major markets. First commission After its first season in operation, with a budget of $150,000, growers believed that this was a step in the right direction but, in order to ensure its success, grower partic- ipation should be mandatory. Legislation was introduced in the Washington State legislature in 1937 to establish the Washington Apple Advertising Commission, which was the state's first commodity commission, and one of the first in the country. The commission merged its affairs with Washington State Apples and kept the 1-cent-per-box assessment rate. C.M. Zediker of Cashmere was chair and C.E. Chase man- ager. The commission expanded its program to include full-color advertising in national magazines, billboards, and more radio advertising. It also funded research on the health benefits of eating apples and on how to reduce apple bruising. Start of supermarkets Harold Copple took over as manager in 1947, when most of the apples produced were Winesaps. Golden Delicious was just coming onto the market. SOURCES: Fred Overley and Washington Growers Clearing House Association 100 120 20 40 60 80 0 Washington State apple production While Harold Copple managed the Apple Commision between 1947 and 1957, most of the apples produced in Washington were Winesap. During that period, the commission hired a larger, year-round merchandising staff of up to 12 people to work with retailers across the country. 1826 First apple trees planted in Washington at Fort Vancouver 1868 First apple trees planted in Yakima at St. Joseph's Mission on Ahtanum Creek 20 MARCH 15, 2012 GOOD FRUIT GROWER 1894 First rail carload of apples shipped from Yakima 1901 First carload of apples shipped from Wenatchee MILLIONS OF BUSHELS 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010