QUINCY - The Washington Apple Commission recently credited the Port of Quincy and the Cold Train service for having a positive impact on Washington's billion-dollar apple industry.

The state's apple industry boosted Washington's economy by about $7 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic activity between 2010 and 2011, according to a study on the economic effect of the state's apple industry. The apple industry also accounted for an estimated 59,650 jobs statewide.

The study cites the importance of protecting the state's apple exports, as exports are a key element of the industry's future prosperity.

If 200 million pounds of fresh apples destined for export were instead added to domestic markets, for example, growers could stand to lose more than $55 million, according to the study.

"Apple packers operations at some public port facilities which help generate port revenue and support the critical mass of business activity that ports need to prosper," reads a section in the study.

The study used the Port of Quincy as an example, since it operates an intermodal terminal which ships apples and other refrigerated products with the Cold Train service. The service started in 2010, and features specially designed containers which can be loaded from trucks to rail and back to trucks for efficient transport and delivery.

As a result of the service, shipping volume is expanding rapidly and rail deliveries are being expanded to eastern U.S. markets, according to the study. About 70 percent of eastbound cargo is fresh Washington apples.

"We are very pleased that the Port of Quincy Intermodal Terminal has become an important shipping and distribution hub for Washington State apples," said Curt Morris, Port of Quincy chairman.

"And that the Cold Train is being recognized as an important freight mobility option to ship Washington State apples to the Midwest and East Coast."