Although history, production region, family farm, research and education programs favor fruit production in PA, several outside factors have combined to make the business of fruit production more difficult and less profitable over the last 10 years. Fruit growers have faced increased competition from other regions of the world that has reduced input costs such as pest control and labor. Traditionally, fruit production has been dependent on the continual development and marketing of new synthetic pesticides by commercial chemical companies. Fruit crops are at high risk for loss caused by insects and diseases. However, over the last few years the number of chemical companies and new pesticide products being developed and delivered for use in the fruit industry has steadily declined. As fewer pesticides are available for grower use, the risk of resistance development increases because of heavier reliance on fewer pesticide modes of action. In addition, several of the key pesticides used in fruit production are currently under review and are at risk to be eliminated through federal legislation. As the number of pesticides decrease, the cost of controlling pests with synthetic chemicals increases.

Consumer demand for reduced pesticides on foods and recent fruit pest management research results are combining to make it possible to change the way pests are managed and fruit is grown in PA. Consumer demand for organic products is increasing at a rate of 20% a year. Organic products command an increasing demand and higher value in the market place. While consumers are seeking products with fewer or no pesticides, production research indicates that alternative approaches to synthetic pesticides do have potential for PA fruit producers. The Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center is currently testing alternative pest management strategies such as cultural management, biological controls, and alternative materials (soaps, fertilizers, oils etc.) that are proving highly effective in reducing pest levels on fruit crops. The combination of consumer demand for organic and the development of new alternative pest management strategies has the potential of providing a means for PA fruit producers to continue profitable fruit production and marketing in the state.

Several key groups have joined their efforts for the redirection and transition of the PA fruit industry to organic. On November 12, 2003 the SHAP (State Horticultural Association of PA) Executive Board developed a statement, which supported the organic transition of the PA tree fruit industry and initiated a task force to begin the process. This task force was called PROFIT, an acronym for "Pennsylvania Regional Organic Fruit Transition." Task force members consist of growers, fresh fruit packers, processors and Penn State research and extension personnel. In several meetings from December 2003 through March 2005, task force members discussed the opportunities and challenges in transitioning the industry toward organic production and unanimously supported the task force directive and support continuing the organic transition effort.

To further support the PROFIT initiative, research and education information from production sciences, economics, marketing and business is also necessary. To date, 25 faculty and extension educators from the Penn State University have given their support and are contributing time and effort in the transition project. Both applied science and basic science faculty are contributing to the organic transition process in research and education programs. The College of Agricultural Science administrators in research and extension have also indicated significant support of the organic transition efforts.

Support from outside agencies and organizations will augment Penn State University and grower resources. These include the PA Department of Agriculture, The Rodale Institute, and PA Certified Organic have all indicated support of the transition project and have committed personnel to cooperate and aid in facilitating the project. Local and state legislators have been briefed on the transition effort and also have indicated support and a willingness to contribute.

As a result of this support and collaboration, an organic apple demonstration orchard was establiched at the PA Fruit Research and Extension Center in May of 2004. This site will be utilized over the next ten years to develop some recommendations to assist growers in transitioning their orchards into organic apple production.