The United States ranks fifth out of 28 apple-producing countries in terms of international competitiveness, according to data compiled by agricultural economist Dr. Des O’Rourke, president of –Belrose, Inc., Pullman, Washington. Topping the list as the most competitive apple producer is Chile, followed by New Zealand, Italy, and France. The United States inched up slightly from its number-six slot in 2006. Chile and New Zealand’s rankings were unchanged from a year ago, while France and Italy swapped places (see chart). China ranked number 18, moving up from number 21 in the 2006 rankings. In compiling the rankings, O’Rourke looked at […]