Written by Dan Langager, Northwest Horticultural Council, August 4, 2026
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides the foundation for quantifying environmental indicators and assembling a model that accurately reflects apple production across our growing region. In funding its own LCA of fresh apple growing and packing, our industry has developed a scientifically defensible benchmark specific to Pacific Northwest practices and conditions. Using this industry standard, the research team built a carbon footprint analysis tool for commercial apple growers and packers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
The Excel-based analysis tool is now available. It enables growers and packers to customize inputs specific to their operations, calculate carbon footprints, and build data sets to use in program certifications and to access funding (grants, carbon markets, etc.) based on reductions from specific practice changes. The tool can help companies identify practical, region-specific answers to questions related to the environment, quantify climate-smart practices already in place, and effectively communicate sustainability achievements to buyers, consumers, and project funders.
The project was funded by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), with input and support from the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) and Northwest Horticultural Council (NHC), and a research team led by Washington State University, Resilience Services PLLC, and Mérieux NutriSciences/Blonk.
LCAs are data-heavy endeavors, and this project would not have been possible without the dozens of growers and packers who compiled block-level and packing facility data. We thank everyone who participated in the surveys and appreciate their time and efforts in this collaborative venture.
The carbon analysis tool and its user guide are available through the WTFRC. To access the tool and its accompanying documents, contact Mackenzie Perrault (mackenziep@treefruitresearch.com). If you have any questions, or would like to provide feedback on the tool, please reach out to the NHC or WTFRC.
Contact
Dan Langager, technical communications manager
Northwest Horticultural Council
langager@nwhort.org
509-453-3193
Funding and acknowledgements
The project was funded by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.
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