Michigan Apple Industry Overview Michigan is among the United States' top three apple-producing states. Michigan has idyllic growing conditions for producing flavorful, crisp apples because of its climate and the influence of the Great Lakes. The moderate spring temperatures protect apple trees from frost damage, and provide cool weather to allow harvesting from late summer through fall. Many of Michigan's nearly 1,300 growers are concentrated near Lake Michigan, with about 58,000 acres across the mitten-shaped state.
Apples already are the largest of Michigan's fruit and vegetable crops.
Annual apple production has averaged around 24 million bushels in past years, maintaining its ranking as one of the United States' top three apple-producing states. Michigan's apple crops are expected to continue an upward trend due to advanced technology and increased production of several varieties. One of Michigan's strengths is its many varieties of apples. The major types produced for the fresh market are Red Delicious, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Ida Red, Empire, Rome and Paula Red. Apple industry-watchers have been marking trends among the varieties, with substantial crop increases expected from newer varieties like Empire, Gala and Jonagold.