Apple Picker Shortage Leading To Smaller Number Of Apples In Stores

The picker shortage means there won't be as many apples making it to stores this year. Our News Partner KIMA Action News reports The state of Washington expects about four-million fewer boxes than originally projected. Some rows never got picked because orchards didn't have enough hands. Other fruit was lost to cold weather. Farmers know it's a smaller crop than last year, but some aren't sure it's as bad as the state says. "It's a little bit of a surprise to hear that the industry has a smaller crop this year because all the warehouses that we deal with are pretty much saying they are filled to the brim," said farmer Jim Doornink.

The state's projection is not final a firm count will come next month.