The Washington Apple Commission is exploring the idea of asking growers to add up to 1 cent per box to its assessment rate. The current rate of 3.5 cents was set in 2003 as part of the settlement of a class-action lawsuit that curtailed the commission’s activities. At their May meeting by conference call, board members said they worried that over the years, inflation would affect the commission’s ability to continue its activities. A small crop would also diminish the commission’s revenue, yet its expenses do not fluctuate with crop size. With less income, it would have to cut programs. […]