Episode 239: Arctic Apple & Drone Technology

The Farm Report

This week on The Farm Report, host Erin Fairbanks is chatting with Steven Wood of Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill Ciders from about the new Arctic Apple, a genetically engineered creation of scientists working for the Okanagan Specialty Fruits company in British Columbia. Recently approved for sale by the USDA, they are seemingly identical to any other apple available at a grocery store, with one key difference: they don’t brown after being cut. Steven gives his thoughts on the new apple and explains how it may affect the global market for apples, plus questions if this is the right direction for research to proceed. After the break, Erin is joined by HRN host of The Whole Shebang, John Wilkes to discuss unmanned aerial vehicles as they are gaining popularity in the agricultural realm. Recently writing an article for The Farmer’s Guardian, John relays that the FAA recently released an official proposal for usage and that those who want to use the flying craft for business were generally encouraged by the FAA’s proposal. Tune in for another jam packed show! This program was brought to you by Whole Foods Market.

“It’s taking the place of a lot of apple research that’s ultimately aimed at actually understanding the world we live in instead of trying to manipulate it to make it easier for us. We don’t understand enough about what we already have.” [12:00]

“If people won’t buy brown apples and somebody breeds brownness out, I’m not going to be the one to object, except that we should be paying more attention to more important things.” [18:00]

—Steven Wood on The Farm Report