Will the War Break the Apple Market?
As the Great War erupts in Europe, a leading fruit distributor warns Kennewick growers that panic is their greatest threat.
The story, cleaned up
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Just how the European War will affect the Northwestern apple crop depends in a large measure upon the growers themselves, according to J. H. Robbins, general manager of the North Pacific Fruit Distributors. 'If there is any demoralization of the apple market, it will come from the growers themselves,' declared Mr. Robbins. 'Notwithstanding the seriousness of the situation, I have a hopeful view that we shall be able to market our supply successfully under existing conditions, provided the growers refrain from consigning their crops and avoid a stampede. If we move the fruit of the Northwest in an orderly way, there should be no disaster.' Robbins noted that while speculators were retreating, the underlying financial system remained stable, urging farmers to maintain control of their supply rather than accepting low advances that would place their livelihood in the hands of others.
“Nothing would be more fatal to the growers of the Northwest than for them to start consigning their shipments or accepting small advances which will place their crop beyond their own control.”
In 1914, Kennewick's economy hinged on the volatility of global export markets, much like modern agriculture and supply chain dependencies. The warning to avoid a 'stampede' reflects a recurring theme in regional history: how local growers have fought to maintain agency against distant commodity markets during times of international instability.
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