In our last trip to China in October, we travelled west from Qingdao to Gansu province to investigate organic apple production. Our flight took us into Lanzhou, a region that is strikingly dry and mountainous. From there, we drove to Longnan, where densely wooded mountains rise sharply and deep ravines cut through the landscape.
Despite the harsh terrain, this area is astonishingly productive. Around 80–90% of all apple production here is organic, an impressive achievement given the altitude. At 1,200 metres, these orchards thrive in conditions where, at 54°N in the UK, apple production simply isn’t viable. Many of the mountainsides are terraced, a testament to agricultural practices that have shaped the region for thousands of years.
What began in 2009 as just five large farms totalling 5,000 mu has expanded dramatically. By 2025, the region boasts 17,000 mu of certified organic orchards. This organic operation is part of a much larger enterprise, with a total of 600,000 mu under apple cultivation across both organic and conventional systems.
Gansu is famous for the Flower Ox variety, a sweet, low-acid apple with a bright, uniform red skin, visually similar to Red Delicious. Although the skin is firm, the flesh is particularly soft, making it popular with young children and older consumers. The variety has a colourful history. Decades ago, local farmers sent a carton of Flower Ox apples to Chairman Mao, who declared them his favourite. This endorsement quickly elevated the region’s reputation, and the apples became known by their alternative name: Red Marshall.
Most of the organic apple volume in this region is Flower Ox, much of which is destined for juice concentrate production. A major advantage for farmers is that Flower Ox apples do not require bagging to develop their deep red colour, a significant time and labour savings. On a personal note, I must admit while Flower Ox has historical charm, Fuji is a better eating experience. Fuji offers a lovely combination of crisp bite and juicy sweetness. The best of the low-acid varieties!
The biggest challenge facing organic growers in this region is insect control. Farmers rely on carefully managed applications of Copper (II) Sulfate, applied at less than 4 kg/ha per year. This controlled use helps target pests effectively while ensuring minimal soil bioaccumulation and protecting long-term soil health.
In Longnan the field price for local apples has risen. Farmers have been hit by early spring frost, prolonged dry weather, and some hail damage. Fortunately, hail has less impact on fruit destined for apple juice concentrate, but it has still contributed to reduced availability of top-grade fruit. The concentrate producers are weary on what tariffs Trump may introduce as a considerable volume of AJC is destined for the United States.
