The Panama Canal Promises Prosperity for Kennewick Fruit
Local industry leaders anticipate a massive shift in freight costs and market reach once the Panama Canal opens to refrigerated shipping.
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Hayes, of the league, states this is only the beginning of new things. He says: 'I have always been a profound believer in Panama, because in commercialized terms it means prosperity. Rates on apples, potatoes, soft fruits and all other produce will feel an equal effect in rate reduction, but to my mind the rates will even go lower than the first ones we have been instrumental in getting. We are assured that the apple rates will be announced to us in a very short time, and will be so low as to startle every grower throughout the Northwest. The figures already announced on canned goods and dried fruits are simply an index to what we may expect. What we need we shall get. Service to New York this season is a certainty, barring unforeseen accidents to the canal, and there will be enough steamers fitted with refrigeration to carry an immense quantity of our apples to the East by water. Service to Europe, the Orient, Egypt, South American markets, Australia, and many other countries is almost equally certain this year.'
“I have always been a profound believer in Panama, because in commercialized terms it means prosperity.”
The 1914 opening of the Panama Canal was the technological disruption of its day, promising to link Northwest growers directly to global markets. The logistical optimism expressed here mirrors modern efforts to manage regional supply chain infrastructure for Kennewick's agricultural output.
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