Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/79982
F or more information, go to the Web site www.okspecialtyfruits.com. PERILS THE ARE GREAT Fortunately, so are our crop insurance agents. Jim Holt Senior Insurance Agent Neal Carter's primary goal behind genetically engineering apples has been to increase consumption of fruit. "Scab resistance in apples has been achieved through crossbreeding resistant crab apple varieties with com- mercial varieties," Carter said. "However, the resulting varieties have not been of high quality and are not well accepted by consumers. "OSF plans to introduce the scab-resistant gene iden- tified from crab apples into popular commercial varieties. Here again, we will follow the breeding approach we used with Arctic apples, whereby only apple genes would be used to manipulate apple varieties to create unique new varieties offering scab resistance." Apple industry organizations have opposed introduc- tion of the nonbrowning apples. They say browning is not a serious enough issue to risk turning the public against apples. Carter disagrees. "Browning is a huge drag on the industry," he said. "Think of the dishes chefs would pre- pare for use in restaurants if the apples wouldn't turn brown when they're served. Our goal is the same as every- one else in the industry—to increase consumption of apples." www.goodfruit.com farm-credit.com | 800.743.2125 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Like everyone else at Northwest Farm Credit Services, our crop insurance agents live and breathe agriculture. They're immersed in it every day. That's a tremendous advantage when you consider the nature of complex, ever-changing insurance programs. Fact is, risks abound – from adverse weather to a drop in market prices – and you need an insurance partner with expertise, knowledge and commitment, every step of the way. Give us a call today. Your only risk is waiting. GOOD FRUIT GROWER SEPTEMBER 2012 15 photo Courtesy of Neal Carter