An apple grower says inflation has made this year’s crop more expensive and consumers will likely pay more at retail.

“Costs keep going up, probably going to be five to ten percent higher this year.”

Michigan fruit ridge grower Phil Schwallier tells Brownfield up to a third of the cost is labor as apples need to be handpicked while pesticides and machinery are other large expenses.

“Between 14 and 20 cents per pound is what it costs growers to grow apples in Michigan,” he says.

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