To pick or not to pick Low prices for small apples during the past ­season reinforced the notion that growers can make more money by leaving non­target fruit in the orchard, Washington apple industry ­representatives say. “I think we’ve learned a very valuable lesson out of this year’s crop,” said Bruce Grim, manager of the Washington Apple Growers Marketing Association, who expects to see more growers consulting with packers and marketers before this year’s harvest to find out what type of fruit will be profitable. Assuming a break-even cost of $15 a box (though the cost varies from grower to […]