Labor leaders are taking an unusual tack in trying to organize the apple industry.

At the same time, revenues in the apple industry have tripled over 10 years, to $1 billion for the state.

It was not clear whether economic concerns played any role in the decision, but the apple industry was clearly hurting.

The state's apple industry continues to recover from 1992, when it produced only 55.9 million pounds.

The apple industry is of particular importance to Washington.

"And it's going to put even more pressure on the apple industry."

The apple industry brought a steady rural prosperity to the town.

Last month, Congress and the president approved the biggest bailout in the history of the apple industry.

The department said today that it would help the apple industry provide the apples to schools, prisons, food aid programs and others.

"This is exactly what the apple industry needs because we think it's going to increase consumption."