Yes. The weather in the midwest, warm and often wet, creates ideal conditions for the growth of insects and diseases that affect apple quantity and quality. Due to this it is almost impossible to grow apples on a large scale organically in Indiana. Some of the fungi and bacteria that flourish in the midwestern climate can be very dangerous to an apple crop causing large scale crop loss and poor quality fruit. Organic fruit found in local stores have often been grown in drier climates where insects and diseases are less prevalent. They are often shipped long distances which can cause them to lose some of their nutritional value.
At Radke Orchard’s we use sustainable and healthy growing practices within the limitations of our Indiana climate. Our crops are sprayed with carefully tested, approved fungicides and insecticides. However, we do our best to reduce our use of chemicals as much as possible and spray only when necessary…especially since they are very expensive. It is important to recognize that organic produce is also sprayed with copper or lime sulfur to protect the plants, and fruit. Many of the pesticides we use are a synthetic form of copper.