The British Columbia Apple industry, primarily located in the Southern Interior of the province, has undergone varying levels of tree removal and replanting as growers attempt to maximize profits. This study models their behaviour by using econometrics in a supply response model. The economic environment of the fruit industry is described. The variables affecting acreage responses to removals and replanting of new and traditional apple varieties are estimated using Ordinary Leased Squares in three separate equations. Data are pooled and aggregated at the regional level. Several versions of the original model are run to test for robustness of the variables and of the original model. The econometric models illustrated that the plantings of new varieties increases when expected profits from vintage trees decline. However, planting and removals of traditional varieties are positively related to excepted profits from vintage trees and this does not follow apriori expectations. More striking in the model is the regional differences and their responsiveness to removals and replanting. Regions with younger, better educated farmers replant to new varieties at a faster rate than other regions. Replant programs are shown to have a negative effect on the rate of replanting. These programs maintain basic criteria for their eligibility to funding and seemingly decreased the acres replanted. Increasing the monetary value of the replant grants results in the effect of increasing the acreage of traditional varieties being planted. Policy implications are examined in a post modelling analysis. The effects of top loading subsidy effects are shown to have decreased the acreage of trees replanted over time. These effects are shown to cause a dead weight loss to society of approximately $13 million over 20 years.

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Nov. 20, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 112-114). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, May 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 15, 2009). "Department of History." Includes bibliographical references (p. 222-235).

The British Columbia Apple industry, primarily located in the Southern Interior of the province, has undergone varying levels of tree removal and replanting as growers attempt to maximize profits. This study models their behaviour by using econometrics in a supply response model. The economic environment of the fruit industry is described. The variables affecting acreage responses to removals and replanting of new and traditional apple varieties are estimated using Ordinary Leased Squares in three separate equations. Data are pooled and aggregated at the regional level. Several versions of the original model are run to test for robustness of the variables and of the original model. The econometric models illustrated that the plantings of new varieties increases when expected profits from vintage trees decline. However, planting and removals of traditional varieties are positively related to excepted profits from vintage trees and this does not follow apriori expectations. More striking in the model is the regional differences and their responsiveness to removals and replanting. Regions with younger, better educated farmers replant to new varieties at a faster rate than other regions. Replant programs are shown to have a negative effect on the rate of replanting. These programs maintain basic criteria for their eligibility to funding and seemingly decreased the acres replanted. Increasing the monetary value of the replant grants results in the effect of increasing the acreage of traditional varieties being planted. Policy implications are examined in a post modelling analysis. The effects of top loading subsidy effects are shown to have decreased the acreage of trees replanted over time. These effects are shown to cause a dead weight loss to society of approximately $13 million over 20 years. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

The objective of this study is to determine the cost of producing apples in British Columbia and Washington State and then compare the estimated costs between the two regions. A conventional 'cost of production model, whereby long-run costs (i.e. depreciation costs) have been included, is developed to determine the average per acre and per pound cost of producing apples. The model assumes a representative orchard for British Columbia and Washington State. A set of characteristics, along with a set of management schedules, are defined for each of the representative orchards. In keeping with the assumption that the representative orchards include mature as well as trees in various establishment stages, each management schedule defines a set of operations for trees of a specific age. There are nine schedules representing trees age one through mature. Aside from the type of operations performed, each management schedule also specifies the number of times an operation is executed, the type of machine(s) used, the machine and labour time required, and the material/service cost involved. From the information provided in the management schedules, a corresponding set of production cost schedules is developed. These schedules show the depreciation, opportunity, insurance, repair and maintenance, fuel and lubricant, labour and material/service costs associated with each operation. The theory of Capital Budgeting is used here to provide a consistent and accurate estimation of the per hour or annual cost of machinery, equipment and buildings. For each schedule, the sum of the total cost per operation plus the overhead charges, interest on operating capital, and rent and tan on land yield the per acre cost of producing apples. A comparison based on the per acre cost by tree age is performed to determine cost differences that may exist at this level. On average (average of orchard block) per acre cost is determined for British Columbia and Washington State based on the proportion of trees of a specific age and its total cost. This average per acre cost is compared, as well as the individual categories of costs (i.e. labour) to determine where differentials exist between the two regions. Based on an average per acre yield, per pound cost of producing apples is also calculated. The efficiency ratio, total ouput value/total input value, is calculated and compared to provide an insight into British Columbia's producer’s ability to extract profits from inputs. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

Thesis (M.Ag.Sc.) - University of Queensland, 2005. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (M.S. in soil science)--Washington State University, August 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Sept. 23, 2009). "Department of Crop and Soil Science." Includes bibliographical references (p. 46-50).

Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The object of this study was to do a comparative analysis of the competitiveness of the South African apple industry with the competitive ran kings published by Dr Desmond O'Rourke as a guideline. Firstly, the intention was to determine if South Africa's ranking is valid and representative, and secondly, to look at the scope for improvement. South Africa's best competitive performance is in the area of production. Although South Africa is performing well there is still scope for improvement by increasing productivity of orchards and quality of the crop. Input costs, labour and climate change are other big concerns. The biggest area for improvement however lies with the relationship between the South African apple industry and the South African government. Many of the changes in legislation and policy since 1994 have had a negative impact on the competitiveness of the South African apple industry. Government need to play an active role in supporting the apple industry through infrastructure, market access and financial support for industry initiatives like promotion and research. This can only be achieved if there is a partnership between the industry and government. The Department of Agriculture also need to be capacitated to perform their functions professionally and efficiently. In terms of market and demand the main concern is the dependence of the South African apple industry on the markets of Europe and the United Kingdom. These markets also have a decline in per capita consumption of apples. This, associated with increased consumer pressure in terms of food safety, environmental and ethical issues and the power of retailers, creates a need to get market access in new developing markets like India and China. The promotions of consumption of apples in the local market would also have a positive effect on profitability. In a world market where the production volume of South Africa is insignificant, the industry needs to do everything in its control to increase competitiveness. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om 'n vergelykende studie van die mededingendheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse appelindustrie te doen met die mededingendheidsranglys van Dr. Desmond O'Rourke as 'n riglyn. Eerstens was die oogmerk om te bepaal of hierdie ranglys verteenwoordigend is van die mededingendheid van Suid-Afrika, en tweedens om die ruimte en area vir verbetering te identifiseer. Suid-Afrika se beste area van kompeterende prestasie is produksie. Alhoewel Suid-Afrika goed vaar op hierdie gebied is daar nog steeds ruimte vir verbetering deur produktiwiteit van boorde en die kwaliteit van die oes te verhoog. Insetkoste, arbeid en klimaatsverandering is ook areas van bekommernis. Die grootste area vir verbetering is egter die verhouding tussen die Suid-Afrikaanse industrie en die regering. Baie van die veranderinge in wetgewing en beleid sedert 1994 het 'n negatiewe impak op die mededingendheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse appelindustrie gehad. Die regering moet 'n aktiewe rol speel om die appelindustrie te ondersteun t.o.v. die infrastruktuur, marktoegang, promosie en navorsing. Dit kan slegs bereik word as daar 'n vennootskap tussen die regering en industrie is. Die Departement van Landbou het ook die kapasiteit nodig om hulle taak professioneel en effektief te kan verrig. In terme van markte en vraag is die grootste bekommernis die afhanklikheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse industrie van die markte van Europa en die Verenigde Koninkryk. Hierdie markte toon 'n afname in per capita verbruik van appels. Dit tesame met die verbruikersdruk in terme van voedselveilighied, omgewing en etiese kwessies en die mag van die supermarkte skep die behoefte om marktoegang tot nuwe ontwikkelende markte soos Indie en China uit te brei. Die promosie van verbruik van appels in die plaaslike mark sal ook 'n positiewe effek op winsgewendheid he. In 'n wereldmark waar die produksievolume van Suid-Afrika nie noemenswaardig is nie, is dit van die uiterste belang dat die industrie alles in hul vermoe doen am mededingendheid te verhoog.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, December 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 268-295).

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 24, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 184-193). Also issued in print.