The Quebec Apple Growers Association is forecasting a good year for the province’s orchards as the picking season kicks off. The federation’s president, Éric Rochon, explains that while having so many rainy days during the summer may have been disappointing for some, “regular rainfall has made for an extraordinary season for us producers.” “Last year, by August we were experiencing heat waves, extreme heat, and, above all, drought,” he recalled during an interview with The Canadian Press. A climate like this year’s doesn’t necessarily boost production per se, but rather the quality of the fruit, Rochon notes. He points out that the current estimated apple volume is average, at 5.7 million minots this year. One minot equals 42 pounds, or about 19 kilograms, of fruit. In its latest annual report, the apple growers’ federation projected approximately 6 million minots for the 2024–2025 harvest. Among the most common apple varieties, Paulared, Sunrise, and Lobo are expected to be found in orchards. The very popular Honeycrisp is expected to arrive around Sept. 20. With climate change, orchards are increasingly daring to plant different varieties. Rochon cites the Gala as an example, which “could barely withstand” the winters of the 1980s and 1990s. Temperatures are “much milder than before,” he noted. “We’re still in Quebec, yes, and there can still be very harsh winters—we know that,” he acknowledged. “But right now, in recent years, winter is arriving a little later and spring a little earlier.” This, he argues, allows growers to venture into trying new varieties. Against the backdrop of a trade war with the United States, Rochon hopes consumers will “pay closer attention to the origin, in general, of the fruits and vegetables they buy,” such as apples from Quebec. Currently, local orchards account for nearly 55 per cent of apple sales in Quebec grocery stores. With the modernization of orchards—including, among other things, increased production of new varieties such as Gala, Ambrosia, and Honeycrisp—growers hope to raise that figure to 70 per cent. However, this modernization is costly, and during this election season, growers are hoping that the next premier will help fund it. “It’s important to understand that when a grower wants to plant a new orchard, they necessarily have to uproot part of their existing orchard,” causing a loss of income and production, explains Rochon. The orchard must then invest in the new trees and wait four to five years before they reach substantial fruit production. Rochon notes that growers have been calling for the implementation of a government program to modernize orchards for several years. “We would like the government that takes office on Oct. 6 to listen to us, help us, and support us in this project.” Apple season normally lasts until mid-October, with pick-your-own orchards open until the end of the month. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 5, 2026.
