Minnesota Apple Survey 2023: Results Summary

Abstract

A research team at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities fielded a state-wide survey January 2, 2023 - April 30, 2023 to quantify the value of apple (Malus domestica) production and agritourism on orchards in the state, to identify common marketing strategies among apple growers, and to ascertain pest management needs among apple growers. The final electronic questionnaire, consisting of 20 questions, was constructed using the Tailored Design Method and formatted in Qualtrics. The target survey population included owners/operators of apple orchards in Minnesota. Individual email contacts were compiled primarily with the help and permission of membership organizations (Minnesota Apple Growers Association, Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Minnesota Grown). Anonymous survey links were also posted on Social media sites (Facebook) to invite voluntary participation. Surveys were distributed to 354 eligible participants. A total of 107 individuals opened the survey and, of those, 71 reported growing apples and were eligible to continue the survey. Twenty-eight percent of the respondents opted out of the survey after completing the first question; thus the final number of survey participants who had completed more than one question was 51 individuals (14% response rate).